Why Your Taylor Drip Tray Is Filling Up (And What To Do About It)
Every Taylor soft-serve machine has a pull-out drip tray located directly under the drive shaft at the back of the freezing cylinder. Its job is simple: catch small amounts of product that migrate past the rear seal. A few drops are completely normal, but if the drip tray begins filling faster than usual or shows thick product buildup, it’s a sign that something needs attention.
What a Normal Drip Tray Looks Like
✔ A few drops of product after a day of operation
✔ A light smear or film of mix and lubricant
✔ Minor residue from normal rear seal movement
If this is all you’re seeing, the machine is functioning normally and no action is needed.
When You Should Start Paying Attention
✔ More than a teaspoon of mix per day
✔ Standing or pooled liquid in the drip tray
✔ Thick, product buildup
✔ Active leaking while the machine is running
✔ Lubricant visibly washing out with mix
If you see these signs, the machine is still usable, but you should diagnose the cause to prevent more expensive repairs.
The 3 Most Common Causes of Excess Leaks
1. Worn or Flattened Rear Seal
The most common cause of drip tray leaks. Rear seals wear out over time, allowing product to bypass the seal.
✔ Flattened sealing edge
✔ Cracked, brittle, or torn rubber
Fix: Replace the rear seal. If the drive shaft is grooved, replace the shaft and seal together.
2. Not Enough Lubricant (or the Wrong Lube)
Lubrication helps the seal glide and forms part of the seal barrier itself. Under-lubrication or improper lube allows mix to escape.
✔ Use NSF-approved lubricant for soft sere machines
✔ Apply an even coat each time the machine is assembled
✔ Never use petroleum-based products
3. Worn or Failing Shell Bearing
A failing shell bearing causes the shaft seal to either wear out very quickly sometimes grinding the seal and discoloring the product or causing the seal to not jump over the lip of the shell bearing at all.
✔ Grinding or squealing sounds
✔ Visible shaft scoring
Warning: If the bearing or seals fail, the inside of the machine can fill with a mix, causing the need for massive internal cleaning of components and electronics.
How to Diagnose the Issue
1. Inspect the Drip Tray
Thin residue is usually early wear. Thick ice-cream-like product indicates a failing seal.
2. Inspect the Rear Seal
Look for flattening, cracking, brittleness, or tears. Replace if any signs appear.
3. Inspect the Drive Shaft
Run your fingernail across the shaft. If you feel grooves or ridges, replace the shaft to protect new seals.
Recommended Parts to Fix Drip Tray Leaks
✔ Rear drive shaft seals
✔ Drive shafts (if grooved or worn)
✔ Shell bearings
✔ NSF-approved soft serve machine lubricant
✔ Complete tune-up kits
If you're unsure which parts fit your machine, send us your model number or a picture of the data plate — we can identify it instantly.
Why This Matters
Ignoring leaks can lead to rear seal failure, shaft wear, bearing failure, and even freezing cylinder damage. A small leak today is almost always an inexpensive fix if caught early.
FAQ About Taylor Drip Trays and Leaks
Why is my Taylor machine drip tray filling up?
The most common causes are a worn rear seal, insufficient lubrication, or a failing shell bearing allowing the shaft to wobble and leak product.
Is it normal for a Taylor machine to drip?
A few drops are normal. Pooling liquid or thick product buildup indicates something is worn.
How do I know if my rear seal is bad?
Look for cracks, flattening, brittleness, or tears. Thick buildup in the tray is another strong sign.
Can a bad shell bearing cause leaks?
Yes. A worn shell bearing causes shaft wobble and destroys seals, leading to leaks.
What happens if I ignore a leaking Taylor machine?
You risk seal failure, shaft wear, bearing damage, and costly freezing cylinder repairs.
How do I fix a leak on a Taylor soft-serve machine?
Replace the rear seal, check the shaft, confirm proper lubrication, and test the shell bearing for play.