When Should You Replace Your Volkswagen’s Camshaft Seal

Oil leaks in your Volkswagen can be more than just an annoyance; they are also a warning sign of serious engine trouble. Oil leaks can be caused by many different factors, but one of the most common is a worn or damaged camshaft seal. Though this issue might seem small, if you ignore it long enough, it can lead to bigger and more expensive problems in your Volkswagen. This is why it’s important to understand when and why you should replace your camshaft seal to prevent the issue from escalating further and keep your car running at its best.

At Bimmer Performance, we understand this better than anyone, and we specialize in Volkswagen camshaft seal repair. We are an affordable five-star auto repair shop in Houston and are dedicated to providing you with top-quality services. So let’s talk about your Volkswagen’s camshaft seal and what to do in case it needs replacement.

What Is the Camshaft Seal?

The camshaft seal is a rubber or silicone component located on the top of the cylinder head. It is responsible for preventing engine oil from spilling out from the camshaft housing. The camshaft needs this protection as it is constantly opening and closing the engine valves, which is essential for the engine to work correctly.

The camshaft seal stops oil from leaking out and uses it to lubricate the camshaft and other components that need it to work. So, if the seal isn’t working, the oil can leak out and result in low oil levels, which can damage the engine and its components.

Over time, the camshaft seal is exposed to constant heat, pressure, and oil, and the rubber material can begin to degrade and show signs of failure. Let’s get into identifying some of these signs.

Signs of Camshaft Seal Failure

A malfunctioning camshaft seal will show different signs that indicate something is not working correctly and that the seal might need to be replaced. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Oil leaks, especially at the front of your car: This is one of the most common signs of camshaft seal failure. If you find oil stains where your car is parked, or even oil trickling down the engine, this is a clear indication that the seal is damaged.
• Burning oil smell: When the seal breaks, oil can drip onto hot engine components like the exhaust manifold and burn off, creating a pungent burning smell. When this happens, bring your car over to us immediately—it could be a sign of seal failure, but it is also a potential fire hazard.
• Low oil levels: If you find yourself topping off your oil more frequently than usual, it could mean there’s a slow but consistent leak from the camshaft seal. With time, a leak like this can cause major engine damage, so don’t leave it unaddressed.
• Check engine light: A malfunctioning camshaft seal might not always trigger the check engine light, but oil leaks can interfere with sensors and engine components that will. If this happens, bring your car to us so we can identify the exact cause.

When Should the Camshaft Seal Be Replaced?

For Volkswagen vehicles, it is recommended to have the camshaft seal checked at around 90,000 to 100,000 miles, though this can depend on your driving habits and road conditions. However, if you notice the symptoms we previously mentioned, then you should have it checked before the recommended timeline.

It’s worth noting that if your Volkswagen is older or has been exposed to extreme heat, stop-and-go traffic, or long periods of disuse, the camshaft seal might wear out faster. Preventative maintenance is always less expensive than repairing damage from neglected oil leaks.

Camshaft Seal Replacement at Bimmer Performance

At Bimmer Performance, our ASE-certified technicians will efficiently repair and replace your camshaft gasket to get you back on the road as soon as possible. We proudly service Volkswagen owners across Sugar Land, Mission Bend, Cinco Ranch, Katy, and Houston, TX.

So whether you need camshaft seal replacement or affordable five-star auto repair in the Houston area, Bimmer Performance is the place to go. Give us a call today at 281-948-2913 or swing by our shop at 1320 Upland Drive in Houston, TX. We’re more than happy to help!