Q: How to check wheel seal for Buick Skylark,Oldsmobile Omega and Pontiac Phoenix?
A: At the recommended intervals, the seals on the driveshafts, transaxle output shafts, and ball joints should be inspected for wear, cracking, or other damage. The wheel seal boot seals are very important as they prevent dirt, water, and other foreign matter from getting into and damaging the ball bearing joints. To check these, raise the car for clearance and support it on jack stands. Slide under the car and inspect the condition of all four boot seals (two on each shaft). Cleaning the boots prior to inspection may be necessary. A mirror may be necessary to inspect the tops of the boots. If there are any tears or cracking in the boots or if there is any evidence of leaking grease, they must be replaced. Also, check the tightness of the boot clamps and tighten if necessary. At this time, check the transaxle output shaft seals located at the point where the drive axles exit from the transaxle. This area will probably have to be cleaned before inspection. If there is any oil leaking from either drive axle/transaxle junction, the output shaft seals must be replaced. The ball joint seals should also be checked. After cleaning around the ball joints, inspect the seals for wear, cracking, or damage, and replace if necessary.