Crankshaft seal
The crankshaft seal is a small, simple ring, but it is important that it works properly. If the crankshaft seal is leaking, the engine will slowly lose oil. This can lead to a lower oil level, which affects the lubrication of moving parts in the engine.
If the rear crankshaft seal is leaking, oil can seep past the crankshaft into the transmission. This can damage the clutch and cause clutch slippage or difficult shifting. Oil that builds up behind the flywheel (with a leaking front crankshaft seal) can contaminate the engine and damage seals, bearings and other parts.
Broken crankshaft seal
When you have a broken crankshaft seal, you don't want to drive around for too long. There are a number of things that can tell you that your crankshaft seal is broken:
Oil stains under the car: If the seal is broken, oil will leak out of the engine along the crankshaft. This causes visible oil stains under the car. Oil leakage can also have other causes. It helps your mechanic to know exactly where the stains are occurring under the car.
White smoke: If the leak is at the transmission seal, oil will leak from the transmission. This oil burns when it comes into contact with the engine, which causes white smoke. In the long run, shifting will also become more difficult, because there is not enough oil in the transmission.
If you notice these things, it is important to solve the problem as soon as possible. First rule out other causes, and then order a suitable crankshaft seal for your car at Winparts. With your car registration number, you will find the right seal, which you can then (have) installed, so that you can quickly get back on the road!