Rear wheel oil leak...

[Bluebird]

After driving over 525 miles on the weekend, light load, I found the rear left axle leaking at the flange and axle shaft housing. It appears to be the gasket. No oil coming down from the back plate or on the inside of the brake drum. Oil is on the inside of the rim and the front of the brake drum. Anyone have a similar problem? Anyone with helpful hints on procedure, cautions, steps... I do have the Chrysler manual, thought I would ask here before buying parts (gasket) or taking things apart. Patrick.

 

[Philip]

Why did it start leaking? The axle is held in with lock nuts. To leak means something is moving around. When you pull it apart replace the lock nuts and check wheel bearing adjustment.

 

[Tim1]

leaky rear

Patrick, been there on mine. All parts are listed on the first gen support for parts. Be sure and check for a groove in the axle tube. Speedi sleeve is the cure and should be put in th save the axle tube if you go in ther to stop the leak. My opinion, throw the self lock nut as far as you can with your eyes closed and convert to the old system. Tim

 

[Bluebird]

Leaky hub...

Thanks Phillip and Tim1 for the quick replys. Maybe some info on locking nut, and what is the old system of the lock nut? Patrick.

 

[Tim1]

old system

Patrick, the old system allows you to set the preload with the first nut, and the tighten the second nut secure and bend a tab on the washer between them over to lock the outer nut. Very simple and very accurate in your preload adjustment on the timken bearing. The nylok system is a guess at best on the preload and staying in place. Just my opinion fellas. You can also use the system like the front axle has, and the part numbers are posted as well, either of these is far better. Tim

 

[JStoll]

I wonder if they make a 2 piece seal like the big trucks & some furds have for our aplication they are a great solution to a groved spindle too

JAK

 

[Tim1]

seals

Jak, they only make the one seal and the biggest part is the speedi sleeve. You have to use it if grooved and don't forget to clean all oil from everywhere or else you will see it later and think you still have a problem. I always put a thin coat of grease on the bearings (not packed) for the initial roll. I run the truck drivers side up a bank and then the passenger side and then down the road and back and then check the level. Be sure to use some blue or red locktite between the speedi sleeve and the tube. This is a very common problem. Tim

 

[Bluebird]

Leak stopping?

When I first posted I did not mention that I'd been driving a higher speeds (80 mph). Would the leak stop coming out if I went back to my conservative driving habits. I took the wheel off and found the diff. oil coming out behind the lug stud plate. None on the brake lining at all. I cleaned-up the rim and a third of the outside of the brake drum. I started driving the truck again to see what happens. Any ideas folks?

 

[Tim1]

oil leak

Sorry to say this, but it isn't likely to heal itself, from my experience. Tim