Grease / Oil buildup on rear inside break pad

[jwskrintney]

Put new brake pads on my 2012 Ram 3500 yesterday. On the driver side rear inside brake pad I found a heavy buildup of what appears to be bearing grease on the part of the pad closest to the axle. I have also noticed a whining sound lately that I assumed was coming from tire wear...but now I am not so sure at all. I am curios to know if this model truck has a floating rear axle. If so I would have expected to see free oil around the breaks versus the heavy grease buildup that I found. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. I am concerned that I could be looking at very expensive repair if I don't address this correctly and soon.

 

[FrankG]

 

[FrankG]

Sounds like you have a rear seal weeping a bit. Gear oil combined with road and brake dust can look like dirty grease. It's been 45 years or so since I changed one. It is a reasonably easy dirty job and it need to be done. I'm sure there is a YouTube video to guide you through the process.

 

[jwskrintney]

I thought about the possibility that it could be heavy gear oil mixed with dirt....it was just strange that I could not find any trace of lighter oil....but it is hard to see inside that area. Thanks for the feedback. Gonna check the differential oil level and start looking at YouTube. I have never gotten into the inside of one of these rear axles....and I am not looking forward to it......grrrr

 

[jetmechabq]

check your differential oil level and that will tell you the possible extent of damage to the bearings. better to fix it sooner that later.

 

[lpennock]

Between the whining and the oil you should assume you have wheel bearings going out on that side.

 

[Ozymandias]

The first thing you do is to check that the breather assembly of the axle is clear and let the air through in both directions.
If it is clogged or obstructed the axle can and will leak even with the best new seals.

 

[jwskrintney]

Appreciate all of the feedback. I didn't even think about the breather assembly but that certainly makes sense to check. Guess I know what I will be doing on my next day off from work.....

 

[josephc1]

Great info, thanks. Going to get this done the next time I service the truck, thanks again.