Reasons for Camshaft Seal Damage in Volkswagens

Volkswagen has produced historically significant and memorable vehicles over the years and is known around the world for their ingenuity and practicality. Even so, you still may run into issues every now and again, which is why it is important for owners to stay up to date on vehicle maintenance.

The camshaft seal on your vehicle is located on the cylinder head. The camshaft seal is an oil seal and is used to seal the end of the engine’s camshaft. Typically the seal is made out of a sturdy rubber material, which is why you will not need to replace them very frequently. However, that does not mean you won’t run into problems with it.

When dealing with the camshaft seal, it is important to get the issue fixed quickly or it could result in more costly damage to your vehicle. For example, if the oil is leaking, there may not be enough oil left in the system to prevent excessive friction from occurring with various components in the engine. It is not always obvious that you may be dealing with a faulty camshaft seal, but there are some signs that will help you identify if you are dealing with a seal issue.

Symptoms of a Damaged Camshaft Seal

One of the first and most obvious signs of an issue with the rubber camshaft seal is an oil leak. Understanding the location of the camshaft is important when looking for any oil leakage on your vehicle. The camshaft seal is generally located by the back of the motor and should be on top of the cylinder head. If there is a leak you will need to look for signs of oil by the back of the engine or around the corners on your car’s engine.

Another common symptom of a faulty camshaft seal is when you start to notice smoke being emitted from the engine bay. The smoke will be a result of an oil leak. If there is an oil leak then it is possible it will leak onto the exhaust pipe or the exhaust manifold and it will produce smoke when coming in contact with the hot metal. Now, there may not always be smoke visible if there is oil leaking onto the pipe or manifold and may just smell like smoke. Either way, it is important to deal with this issue immediately to prevent the problem from getting worse. If you are dealing with a small leak, it may not produce a ton or smoke or overwhelming smell, but if it is a significant amount of smoke that means that you’re likely dealing with a larger leak.

Do I Need to Deal With a Damaged Camshaft Seal Immediately?

The short answer is yes. In most cases you will want to deal with this issue rather quickly in order to prevent the problem from getting worse. However, the problem will likely not cause immediate damage to your vehicle’s engine. The oil is used as a lubricant to prevent excessive friction on various parts and components on your vehicle. Without the proper amount of oil it may lower your vehicle’s reliability and you may have to replace parts sooner.

Since it is a simple part to replace, it is recommended to deal with it when you first notice problems with your car. If you are uncertain if you are dealing with a camshaft seal leak, but you are noticing oil, it is recommended to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

How We Can Help

Here at Import Motorworx, we have skilled mechanics and technicians who are able to assist you with any issues you may be experiencing with your camshaft seal. Our technicians have excellent knowledge when it comes to dealing with European vehicles so your Volkswagen will be in good hands. We strive to provide excellent customer service and will work with our clients to figure out the best course of action for diagnosis and repair to your vehicle.

We are convenient to residents of Lawndale, Culver City, West Los Angeles, and South Bay, CA. If you would like to learn more about the services we provide, or you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our mechanics, visit our website or call our office where a representative will be happy to help.