Leaking Rear Axle? (1 Viewer)

[xeuxaz]

Finished a 450 mile leg today and saw smoke coming from the driver side rear wheel. Looks like gear fluid is leaking.

I’m assuming my bearing is toast and something caused diff fluid to make its way all the way out.

Anyone else ran into this?

07 291k miles

 

[Bisho]

It’s unlikely your bearing is bad. There is a seal in the axle housing and an oring on the axle you’ll need to replace. The seal is a pita to get out and replace, but it’s doable. Buy a couple seals because the odds of bending the first one is greater than zero trying to get it seated straight.

Based on the pics, I’d guess you’ll need new parking brake shoes, as well.

 

[xeuxaz]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Patassa]

Bearing is probably fine but if you're going through the pita job of replacing the seal and seal ring, might as well replace the bearing too. If it's your first time doing the job, might be a good idea buying double of everything. It's easy to screw this job up.

 

[Mike NXP]

I just went through this and I suspect my case was unusual but long story short my lug nuts were loose and cause my seal to leak. The leak was noticed long before my wheel got some bad I broke my stud. I guess just a quick PSA to check your lugs to make sure nothing stupid like that is happening.


ended up replacing the seal but the bearing seems fine.

 

[Moridinbg]

I just went through this and I suspect my case was unusual but long story short my lug nuts were loose and cause my seal to leak. The leak was noticed long before my wheel got some bad I broke my stud. I guess just a quick PSA to check your lugs to make sure nothing stupid like that is happening.


ended up replacing the seal but the bearing seems fine.

You are luckier than I was Or less stupid, I suppose.

 

[Mike NXP]

You are luckier than I was Or less stupid, I suppose.

View attachment 3662254

LOL this is a great photo. So what the heck happened in your case? I know you have taken that truck all the way down to the frame so I suspect you know how to tighten up a wheel. It's weird that my axle seal was leaking long before I had any idea my tire was loose.

Looks like you ignored the wheel shake a bit longer than I did but I wasn't far behind from this happening to me as well.