[Kyle]

So I just installed new front wheel bearings on my rig about 2 weeks ago. This morning I notice there is something leaking on the right front side, its not brake fluid/axle fluid. A very clear oil, so im thinking its the new hub but why would it be doing this?

 

[lornix]

Is this an OEM uni-bearing? I have never heard of them "leaking" anything, but they do come with some sort of factory lube already in them.

I would take it back and get a replacement. I bought one that did not have the lugs properly pressed in and the damn things came loose after about 20 miles of driving. I damn near lost my front wheel in traffic.

You sure it's not diff fluid? Could have bumped the seal a little if the axle came out a bit and then back in.

 

[okcjeeper]

Yeah the bearing assemblies are sealed and the bearing are packed with grease..Not sure how they would leak anything since bearing greese is generally farely thick..I'd guess either diff or maybe vrake fluid..can you find a trail of the leak to the caliper or brake line?

 

[Jeepers Creepers]

have you removed the wheel and check for any oil

 

[Kyle]

Havent removed the wheel yet.

I know brake fluid and this is not it. My brake fluid is dark and the lines are completely dry.

Also my axle fluid is black while this fluid is 100% clear.

 

[Mudderoy]

Havent removed the wheel yet.

I know brake fluid and this is not it. My brake fluid is dark and the lines are completely dry.

Also my axle fluid is black while this fluid is 100% clear.

I replaced mine over a year ago with Timenkin (sp?). The only fluid I saw was some running out the axle tube, but it wasn't clear it was diff fluid.

I did the u-joints at the same time.

 

[Kyle]

Im running timkin aswell.

 

[Mudderoy]

Im running timkin aswell.

I'd shoot timkin an e-mail and ask. You don't want one of those bad boys failing.

 

[Kyle]

Ya I will ask.

 

[2drx4]

I know brake fluid and this is not it. My brake fluid is dark and the lines are completely dry.

Also my axle fluid is black while this fluid is 100% clear.

What quantity is leaking? A small amount of brake fluid, no matter how over-due for changing, will still appear clear... Same goes for diff fluid. The stuff I use is typically green, and a drop or two will look almost perfectly clear.


The only thing I could think of otherwise is if they had put preservation grease in the bearings instead of the right stuff. It is clear, and it may leak out when warm, and shortly after the bearing will seize as it sucks as a lubricant.

 

[Kyle]

Well I also know how brake fluid tastes and smells along with axle fluid, im almost 100% sure its not either. Again the lines are completely clean.

 

[jeepride]

Had the axle joints replaced in my old tj couple weeks later it started leaking gear oil must have knicked the inner seal on install.

 

[Kyle]

Had the axle joints replaced in my old tj couple weeks later it started leaking gear oil must have knicked the inner seal on install.

Good point, looks like I will need to tare through it:brickwall:

 

[muddeprived]

Where's it coming out of exactly? The axle tube or the bearing itself? Did you happen to remove the axle shafts while you were doing the bearing job?

It could be just excess grease/oil used in the bearings. i dunno. I'm thinking gear oil.

Why is your axle fluid black? time for a drain/fill?

 

[Kyle]

Where's it coming out of exactly? The axle tube or the bearing itself? Did you happen to remove the axle shafts while you were doing the bearing job?

It could be just excess grease/oil used in the bearings. i dunno. I'm thinking gear oil.

Why is your axle fluid black? time for a drain/fill?

Yup time for a drain/fill. Also used axle fluid has that burnt smell to it, very distinguishable.