Have you ever experienced an oil leak in your BMW as a result of a loose alternator seal? The seal on the alternator of a BMW prevents oil from leaking into the engine. If the seal fails, the oil will leak and significantly impair engine performance.
When a failure in this component is observed, the car should be taken to a competent mechanic and a replacement should be done immediately. Because a broken alternator bracket seal is such a common issue with BMWs, drivers must be vigilant for any potential warning signs and take action immediately if any signs are observed.
You might be wondering what all the fuss is about the alternator seal. The answer is that, like any other seal in the engine that holds in oil, if it fails, an oil leak will occur. Oil leaks are bad for the health and performance of your engine, and they can cause overheating, which can lead to damage to critical engine parts.
The Alternator
The alternator is in charge of recharging the battery and ensuring all the electrical parts are operational as you drive. This component is absolutely important, but its protection is provided by the alternator seal. The purpose of this seal is to keep oil confined in the system, although if the component is damaged, fluid might leak through into the alternator. Oil pouring into the alternator can cause massive problems underneath the hood.
Some Common Signs of a Leaking Oil Alternator Seal
The symptoms of a faulty alternator seal are almost unnoticeable until the seal begins to leak oil. As a result, an oil leak is the most common symptom of a seal leak in the alternator. Nonetheless, there are a few warning signs to look out for. If you notice any of these signs, get to a service center as quickly as possible:
- Visual Inspection: The most common method of detecting oil leaks is through visual inspection. When you check under the hood and you notice a pool of dark liquid on the ground, it’s a confirmation that your vehicle is leaking oil.
- Engine Oil Loss: You may also notice this problem when your vehicle’s oil level drops over time. Every BMW has oil levels or an oil gauge that is very precise on the amount of oil at a given time. If you carry out regular maintenance on your vehicle, you will know if the oil level in your vehicle is enough. If after regular checks you notice that the oil level has dropped again, then your car may have an alternator seal leak.
- Oil-Pressure: Similar to the indicator lights, some BMWs have an oil-pressure light that can alert owners if there is an issue with the oil. It is recommended that you pay attention to the light whenever it comes on and brings your car in for proper checks as soon as possible to avoid any further oil loss.
- Check Engine Light: If your car’s check engine light comes on, take it to a competent auto repair shop as soon as possible to avoid any further problems.
- Electrical Failures: As previously stated, the alternator is in charge of powering your car’s electrical components. There is a high tendency for the electronics to fail if there is oil seeping from the alternator. Therefore, pay close attention to any changes in the way your BMW’s electrical parts behave if you suspect the alternator seal is leaking.
Turning Wrenches: Louisville Service Center for your BMW
Turning Wrenches is concerned about your 
satisfaction. Our mechanics have years of expertise working on BMWs, so you can be sure that your car will be safely back on the road in no time. We understand the intricacies of a broken alternator seal and can guarantee that we’ll be able to help you. We serve customers in and around Louisville, KY, and would appreciate the chance to solve your problem. We also perform a thorough inspection to ensure that we understand all of your vehicle’s requirements.
Our repairs come with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Contact us or visit our shop today to book an appointment with our experts now.