Mini Coopers are uniquely-designed vehicles built for fun with excellent performance to support it. Minis turn heads and catch people’s attention when they are seen, and that attention is all part of the fun of driving one. Maintaining your Mini in the best condition possible is how you’ll be able to drive it for a long time. One part that you should keep an eye on is the crankshaft seal.

There are 2 crank seals in your Mini. There is a seal at the front of the engine, behind the crankshaft harmonic balancer. The other seal is near the back of the engine behind the flywheel. Both of these crank seals are in place to ensure that the engine oil is deflected back into the oil pan to continue their circulation. By deflecting the oil, the crank seals maintain proper oil levels and prevent leaks.

If there is an issue with one of the crank seals, then an oil leak will occur. Without the appropriate engine oil levels, parts of the engine will break down faster than normal, causing further issues to occur in your Mini. Knowing the signs of a crank seal oil leak and how to fix it will help to keep your Mini running smoothly.

Common Signs of a Crank Seal Oil Leak

The first sign to look for if you suspect oil leaking from one of the crank seals is a puddle accumulating underneath your Mini. This is the easiest way to spot an oil leak from a crank seal. The oil will pool under the very front of the engine block of your Mini or toward the back of the engine block, right where the crank seals are located. Engine oil drips when a crank seal has been broken or cracked. This happens over time with general wear and tear, but it can also happen if a piece of debris comes in contact with it.

You should also pay close attention to how many miles you have put on your Mini. If you have had your Mini for an extended period of time and the mileage is approaching 100,000, issues will begin to occur with one of the crank seals. It is normally at this point when a crank seal will need to be replaced.

Tips to Fix a Crank Seal Oil Leak

There are two ways to fix a crank seal. The first is through repair and the second is through replacement.

With the advancements in technology, you are now able to repair a broken or cracked crank seal. You can purchase sealing solutions from your local automotive parts store and then reseal the crank seal on your own.

The second option for repair is completely replacing the crank seal. You are also able to find a replacement crank seal at your automotive parts store. Regardless of whether you plan on resealing or completely replacing the crank seal, you are going to need a floor jack, jack stands, and other tools specific to your Mini.

Before you begin any work on your car, make sure that it is securely jacked into place before working underneath. To get to the crank seal located at the front of the engine, you need to remove the parts that are in front of it: the accessory drive belts, the harmonic balancer bolt, and the harmonic balancer unit.

It is a good idea to take a picture of what the set up looks like before you begin taking it apart. Once you have access to the crank seal, you can either apply the sealer or completely replace the part. Then, clean the parts you removed before replacing them and lower your Mini back down on the ground.

Professional Help

If the process of fixing the crank seal yourself seems daunting, then contact our trusted technicians at Das European Autohaus near Spring and Houston, TX. We have certified mechanics who will quickly and efficiently identify the leaking crank seal and repair it.

Your safety is one of our main concerns, so we are here to do the dirty work so you don’t have to risk injury or face difficult repairs. We use the latest diagnostic tools to identify problems and use quality parts in replacements. You will be back on the road quickly with peace of mind. Call us today for a convenient appointment.