Axle seal, brakes, or something else...

[dgamby]

So I have noticed a hot semi-burning smell coming from the rear passenger wheel. It's almost like a burnt/hot grease smell. This week I was driving when it was raining and after getting home I noticed that it smelled and was smoking/steaming. I figure I need to bring it up higher on the priority list.

I got the wheel off and got under the car and noticed that there looked like grease around the rotor and more on the back of the hub (is that the right term?). Pictures below. None of this kind of grease or residue is present on the other rear wheel. From a little site searching it looks like it could be an axle seal, or maybe brake fluid leaking. Can anyone give anymore insight from the pics or description, and if it is ok to drive for a little while before I can get it in to a shop in a week or so? Thanks.

 

[kevgentile]

Axle seal. Mine's been a little leaky for a long while but hasn't gotten to the point where I need to repair it, yet.

 

[kevgentile]

It's leaking enough that it's slinging onto the rotor surface. At that point it's in need of replacement.

This was just uploaded by Timmy, here ya go.

 

[dgamby]

It's leaking enough that it's slinging onto the rotor surface. At that point it's in need of replacement.

This was just uploaded by Timmy, here ya go.

Yeah, that whole stopping thing seems important. Does this seem like the, park it till you fix it situation, or get to it soon but driving around town you can probably get away with?

 

[kevgentile]

Yeah, that whole stopping thing seems important. Does this seem like the, park it till you fix it situation, or get to it soon but driving around town you can probably get away with?

I'd keep driving it without immediate worries while aiming to get it situated in the near future. Depending on how much pad material you have remaining doing both seals and the brakes at the same time could net a little labor savings. If you have a lot of pad left they can be lightly sanded with a belt sander and re-bedded with a cleaned rotor.

 

[dgamby]

I'd keep driving it without immediate worries while aiming to get it situated in the near future. Depending on how much pad material you have remaining doing both seals and the brakes at the same time could net a little labor savings. If you have a lot of pad left they can be lightly sanded with a belt sander and re-bedded with a cleaned rotor.

Lot of pad left. I had been meaning to take it in to a mechanic to get a list of routine maintenance done a few weeks from now. So I can add this to the list.

 

[kevgentile]

Lot of pad left. I had been meaning to take it in to a mechanic to get a list of routine maintenance done a few weeks from now. So I can add this to the list.

They might try and sell you on new brakes too. Will depend on your relationship with them and how hungry they are.
I always try and save my customers when and where I can.

 

[nissanh]

When doing axle bearings and seals on ABS equipped toyota's, make sure you check the proper fitment of oil seal on to the center of the riding sleeve which pressed into the half shaft. Timmy the tool man on youtube have a great video of doing it on a 3rd gen 4runner. HE call the test to ensure it rides on the center of the seal as sharpie test. I think he discusses it on the part two of that video.