Do you know what causes oil dripping from your BMW’s engine compartment? There are so many points from which oil can leak in a BMW, so when you see oil, your first question should be where is it coming from. One of the less apparent causes may be a leak in your alternator seals.

Alternator seals are known to drip oil in many BMW cars after some years of use, and although it may not appear to be a serious problem, it can easily escalate and result in a big problem. Let’s discuss what the alternator seals in your BMW are before going into detail about the causes of the leaks and where you should go for seamless repair.

What Are Alternator Seals?

The alternator is an accessory in the car’s electrical system that recharges the battery and powers up electrical accessories such as lights and radio. Given the fact that this component is mounted close to the engine and works in high-temperature conditions, the seals can become weak due to heat in the surroundings. If the seal is damaged, then oil leaks leading to not only alternators’ damage but also other parts of the engine. A leaking alternator seal is something that you should not ignore.

What Causes Alternator Seals to Fail and Result In Oil Leaks?

  • Wear and Tear: As is the case with many automobile parts, your BMW alternator seal can wear out. The rubber makeup of the seal may age, split, or lose durability after years of use, and may not be able to keep oil in its correct place anymore.
  • Oil Contamination: Sometimes, the oil itself can lead to the breakdown of the alternator seal. If your BMW has old or contaminated oil, the breakdown of the rubber will accelerate. Dirty oil usually includes substances that lead to the seal wearing out and then resulting in leaks.
  • Improper Installation: An alternator seal may leak due to poor installation. If the seal wasn’t installed well during a prior repair or replacement, it may not last as long as it should. An unsuitably fitted seal may not give enough protection, letting oil leak out.

How to Repair an Alternator Seal Leak

  • Inspect the Alternator and Seal: The first thing you should do while trying to repair a leaky alternator seal is to examine the alternator and the vicinity if there’s oil. Depending on the amount of leakage, your mechanic will in most cases, have to pull out the alternator to inspect the seal. They will verify if the oil has leaked into the alternator and also see the state of the seal.
  • Replace the Seal: As soon as the problem is detected the alternator seal will have to be substituted. This basically entails pulling out the previous worn-out seal and putting in a new one. You should get a reliable and high-quality seal that can withstand heat and oil for as long as possible.
  • Clean the Alternator: When the mechanic establishes that oil has penetrated the alternator, he will ensure he cleans it properly. The oil inside of the alternator can harm its electric parts, so it is crucial to clean it to get the machine back in working order.
  • Check for Additional Leaks: After the job is done, the mechanic will look around if there are any more signs of leakage. Sometimes, the leakage must come from other places in the engine, for example, the valve cover gasket or the body of the oil filter. There is a need to seal all possible points of leakage so that such a problem does not occur again in the future.

Visit Us Now For Professional BMW Repairs

If you think your BMW is leaking oil because BMW Alternator Seal Oil Leak Repair of a bad alternator seal, do not delay in bringing it to us to have it fixed. Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. is your one-stop shop for all BMW repair and servicing needs. Our highly trained technicians are here to assist you with common issues such as oil leaks, faulty alternator seals, and other mechanical complexities that cause BMW cars to stop working properly.

We are always ready to help keep your BMW in top shape. If you reside in or around Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA and you want your BMW to be in good hands, don’t hesitate to talk to us at Schearer’s – set an appointment with us now!

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