2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Inside of tire and wheel well covered with fluid!

[Intelman34]

I got home from class today (25min freeway drive) and noticed that something smelled odd outside my truck. Took a look under the back only to notice the entire inside sidewall of the tire is covered in fluid and it sprayed up into the wheel well.



It doesnt have a strong smell at all, but I want to say it is gear fluid.



Could this be the rear axle seal?



Any help is appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Intelman34 said: "Could this be the rear axle seal?"



Yup.



You don't have a soft brake pedal do you? If you do... it could be a wheel cylinder as well...



Matt

 

[Max Wedge]

Gear Lube should have a strong smell to it. If your brakes ain't acting funny then she's gear lube. When I purchased my truck in '00 dodge was having quite a bit of problems with axle seals in that hybrid Dana 80. Good news is the seal shouldn't be that expensive--bad news is they can be very frustrating to change without the tools. And by the way the brakes are most likely junk on that side too--don't drive it to far, or you cause the rearend to fail.



Sorry I could give better news.



Max

 

[Intelman34]

Brakes feel the same as always.



I checked the diff. and level of fluid is fine, but im sure a few drops get spread out a long way. The fluid just doesnt smell as wicked as gear lube should.



How much does the Dodge dealer usually charge for a job such as this?



Thanks so much guys!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I disagree that the brakes are automatically junk when you get gear lube on 'em.



Spend about 5 minutes with a can or two of Brakeleen and a blow gun - they'll be good as new.



On edit: If it's just a hub seal... I bet a tech could get it done in less than an hour. So, figure on an hour or so of labor and probably $20 in parts and a few bucks in materials/fluids.



Matt

 

[chrleb1]

Sounds like the seal. Mine did the same thing. When you replace it, make sure you get the double lipped seal. I think stock is single. This help it last longer. Usually if the find the part number for the stock, the will be able to find the other one.

 

[DBentley]

I have been thru 2 seals on the same side in a year. Did some searches here on tdr and found some good info on over filling to prevent them from running dry. seems to be working for me.

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

The dealer wanted $90 plus the seal to do my last one. I found a local guy that did it for $30 parts and labor. I wasn't gonna do it myself for that.



Dan