Gear Oil? Front Hub Leak.

Craig Almaguer

Well-known member
Hello all, I have developed a leak in the front right hub. Removing the rubber cap reveals about a teaspoon's worth of fluid. I've replaced bearings before, but I'm just starting my research now. Need to order parts before diving in, and I don't know what those parts might be. Seals I'm assuming. Thoughts? Thanks for the help everyone.

Craig
530-228-1895

wheel.jpg
 

michael67

Well-known member
It looks like gear oil. I personally would replace all the seals on that side at this point, especially if you've never done it. Not really difficult and requires no special tools other than a fish scale and a way to measure end play (Harbor Freight sells a cheap one). On top of seals, you'll need to order shims for end play and for the swivel ball.
 

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
id replace the rubber cap (should be pliable) and the paper gasket under the drive flange. if that doesn't solve it go deeper as above ^
 

Craig Almaguer

Well-known member
id replace the rubber cap (should be pliable) and the paper gasket under the drive flange. if that doesn't solve it go deeper as above ^
I replaced the caps already, as two were cracked and dry (not leaking). A few months back. now, with new caps, right hub is leaking. Caps are a very temporary fix to the bigger problem anyway. thanks
 

Craig Almaguer

Well-known member
It looks like gear oil. I personally would replace all the seals on that side at this point, especially if you've never done it. Not really difficult and requires no special tools other than a fish scale and a way to measure end play (Harbor Freight sells a cheap one). On top of seals, you'll need to order shims for end play and for the swivel ball.
have not done before. my thoughts exactly. I don't know anything about the fish scale and measuring for play. I don't know what seals are required. Calling RN I guess. thanks'
 

SimonDewing

Well-known member
Possible its just a blocked axle breather and pressure is forcing oil past the seal.
Look at the parts book for an exploded view of what goes into them.
The cap just stops grit getting into the bearing which should be greased.
There is an internal seal between the axle tube and swivel ball housing and gear oil from the diff gets blown past it into the housing then comes out like that if there is excess pressure in the axle tube (i.e. when it heats up).
If you want to change it all, lots of YouTube video how to's and complete kits of parts available from the usual suspects.
 

michael67

Well-known member
have not done before. my thoughts exactly. I don't know anything about the fish scale and measuring for play. I don't know what seals are required. Calling RN I guess. thanks'
The manual is pretty good on how to do this. Read through it and make some notes of what's needed. Also, as Simon said, check the breather tube either way; an air compressor works good for that.
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
My guess wouldn’t be a stub axle seal leaking (often installed backwards). There shouldn’t be gear oil that far out.
 

evilfij

Well-known member
Always start by cleaning the breather.

Then clean it up and see if it still leaks.

Also put your foot on the tire and push hard to see if there is wobble. If there is, the wheel bearing needs to be tightened (maybe replaced).
 

Craig Almaguer

Well-known member
Thanks guys! So, the gear oil is making its way around and out on the shaft. I suspect it the seal/spindle bearing (seal), but upon inspection, seems fine. And of all the seals that came in the Proline pack, the only one that “fits” is just as loose as the one in there. Original seal and bearing Still assembled on the flange. This is the spindle bearing.
 

Craig Almaguer

Well-known member
Another question is how to pull that spindle bearing. Seems delicate compared to the main bearings and you can’t really tap out easily.
 

Craig Almaguer

Well-known member
Possible its just a blocked axle breather and pressure is forcing oil past the seal.
Look at the parts book for an exploded view of what goes into them.
The cap just stops grit getting into the bearing which should be greased.
There is an internal seal between the axle tube and swivel ball housing and gear oil from the diff gets blown past it into the housing then comes out like that if there is excess pressure in the axle tube (i.e. when it heats up).
If you want to change it all, lots of YouTube video how to's and complete kits of parts available from the usual suspects.
I will check the breather tubes. They are new ARB TUBES installed a year ago. Seems like they shouldn’t be clogged, but who knows. Pretty clean off road excursions over the past year…..maybe gunk coming from within the differential??….and weird how it’s only pushing pressure on one side (right front passenger). I will remove nut at diff and blow out. Unless there’s a better way? Thanks!
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
How do you get them out with a punch? By crushing the casing?
Gently tap it alternating sides. They usually aren’t in there very tight. The last two dealerships I worked didn’t even have the slide hammer.
 
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