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THE IMPORTANCE OF VALVE COVER GASKETS

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    As a very popular and established Auto Mechanic in Queens , we always educate our customers about the importance of regularly changing the engine oil because of the number of moving parts that depend on oil for lubrication. We regularly remind them to have it done per the maintenance schedule of their vehicle. One of the important parts that aids in oil lubrication is a valve cover gasket. To prevent oil from leaking out, the valve cover is placed on top of the engine. Underneath the valve cover, there is a gasket providing additional sealing, so when the engine is running no oil leaks out. There are a variety of valve cover gaskets, made of either cork or rubber. The rubber ones are the better since they eventually fit themselves to the cover over time. How do you know if you your car has a broken valve cover gasket? The first is leaking oil, not just under your car, but soaking the engine as well causing the smell of burning oil as it hits the hot engine. Consequen...

WHAT IS AN AXLE SEAL LEAK?

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  An axle seal leak occurs when the seal at the end of the axle housing fails to properly contain the lubricant (typically gear oil) within the axle assembly. This can happen due to wear and tear over time, exposure to harsh conditions, or improper installation. The picture above shows a leaky axle seal. You can see the discoloration surrounding it due to the oil leak. This leak was discovered by experienced mechanics at our Car Repair Shop in Astoria when the vehicle was brought in for service. When the seal fails, gear oil can leak out of the axle housing, leading to several potential issues. First, there is a loss of lubrication. The primary function of the gear oil is to lubricate the moving parts within the axle assembly, including gears, bearings, and shafts. A leaky axle seal can result in insufficient lubrication, leading to increased friction, heat, and wear on these components. Secondly, there can be contamination. An axle seal leak can also allow contaminants...