Not all parts of the car are meant to last throughout the car’s lifespan. Some will spoil on the way because of constant usage. When they spoil, the best solution would be to have them replaced.
A wheel seal leakage is one of the problems most vehicle owners encounter. The leakage is a result of various factors which range from old age to bad installation. However, when the leak starts, will it be considered a violation? Is a leaking wheel seal a DOT violation?
Yes, a leaking wheel seal is a DOT violation as long as the leakage is fresh with visible signs that it will continue to leak.
Is a Leaking Wheel Seal a DOT Violation?
A leaking wheel seal is a DOT violation if the leakage is fresh with a proven sign that it will continue to leak.
This is to say that if the wheel seal leakage is fresh, it’s a DOT violation. If the leakage is fresh but has been fixed, it won’t be a violation. If the seal started leaking and you are yet to have it fixed with visible signs that the leakage will continue, it’s definitely a DOT violation.
Therefore, to avoid violating the DOT rules, fix any leaking wheel seal. Even if the oil leaking from the seal is still fresh but the cause of the leakage has been fixed, you won’t violate any rules.
One thing with the wheel seal is that it is mostly hidden by brake shoes so it’s hard to see. For you to see a wheel seal, you may need to shine a flashlight into the brake drum and around the brake shoes.
Therefore, if the seal starts to leak, you may not know until you check with a flashlight. If during an inspection and it was discovered that the seal is leaking with visible signs that it will continue to leak, it’s a DOT violation.
Nevertheless, it’s not always a secret. Sometimes, it can become obvious if the seal starts to leak because it will leak into the brake shoe causing it to become too oily. If the oil is too much, it will start dripping onto the inner side walls of the tire which should indicate that something is leaking.
If the wheel seal is leaking too much and the brake shoes are all too oily, you may have to replace the brake shoes when replacing the leaking seal.
Causes of Wheel Seal Leakages
The reason why wheel seal leaks is because of:
1. The Seal Has Been in Use for a Long Time
If the seal has been in use for too long, chances are that they can spoil because of old age or long term use. You don’t expect to continue using a factory-fitted wheel of a 2005 vehicle forever. It is bound to get old as a result of constant use and might start to leak as a sign that its time to have it replaced
2. Wrong Installation
The last mistake anyone would make when working on the wheel bearing is to make a wrong installation. In fact, anything that has to do with wheel bearing should be installed correctly.
Installing the wheel seal the wrong way can cause it to leak overtime. The technician doing the job must have to be very care during installation and must use the right tool.
3. C*cked Seal Not Seated Correctly
If the c*cked seal is not seated properly, it can cause the seal to leak. Therefore, during installation, the technician should ensure to use the right tool and must not hit it too hard to avoid getting it crooked when it’s dialed in.
4. Incorrect Bearing Adjustment
The common cause of wheel seal leakages is mostly attributed to incorrect bearing adjustment. If the technician did not get the bearing adjustment right, it can affect the seal and cause it to leak.
5. Damaged Shoulder or Hub Bore
If the shoulder or hub bore has gone bad or worn out, it can cause the seal to start leaking overtime. Again, these parts see not meant to last forever, it’s likely to get worn out because of constant usage, when that happens, it’s best to have it replaced otherwise, it can cause the wheel seal to leak.
6. Clogged Hub Cap Vent Hole
The hub cap vent hole should never be clogged for whatever reason. If this happens, it will prevent it from breathing properly which can cause pressure to build up and damage the seal.
7. Drive Vent that is Clogged
The same goes to this. When it’s clogged up, there won’t be enough room for it to breathe causing pressure to build which will eventually blow up the seal.
8. Exposure to Dirt and Debris
This is also a reason for wheel seal leakage. The vents should be clean and free from any clogs. If there are debris on the vents, you can use a paper clip or anything else to clear the dirt. While doing this, ensure to use the right tool to avoid enlarging the vents
How to Prevent Wheel Seal from Leaking
To prevent wheel seal from leaking:
- Avoid rush job that will cause the cocked seal not to seat correctly.
- Ensure to use the right tool during the replacement to avoid spoiling something you should not spoil.
- You should be aware of how much hitting is needed when fixing any issue close to the seal
- Don’t allow debris in the vents.
- Use a paper clip or something within the vent’s range to unclog the vents if it’s clogged. On no account should you leave them clogged, it will blow up the seal because of pressure build up.
- If the shoulder or hub bore has gone bad, have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent it from spoiling the seal
- While adjusting the bearing, ensure to give it the correct adjustment it needs. Don’t forget that different bearing systems may come with pre-sets with different spacers and sealers. So what works for 2005 may not work for 2015 steer. The steer position may differ.
- If the seal has been in use for a long time, have it replaced. Don’t wait until it starts leaking all the oil and spoil your wheel bearing before you can have it replaced.
Conclusion
A wheel seal leakage is indeed a DOT violation especially if the leakage is ongoing with visible signs that it will continue to leak. Therefore, it is wise to say that failure to fix a leaking wheel seal is a dot violation. However, the earlier you fix the leakage the better.
