Noticed this on the passenger front wheel when we arrived today. Likely source? Level of concern? Fix options?
Thanks
[modified topic title to be more descriptive - Michelle]
Randy you need to pull the wheel cover and check the seal
Chris
Updates. No major fluid. Level shown at own tip. Thoughts?
Use a white napkin or paper towel and wipe on the outside of the plastic to see if there is any oil. It might not be visible to the naked eye.
What does the inside of the wheel cover look like?
The rubber plug or what ever it is made of shrinks up from heat over time. I carried spares in the crane for that reason.
Also check the small hole in the middle is clear.
If not the rubber plug then the hub cover gasket..
Randy is your pen showing the level? It is to be under/below the black rubber plug when full. So if the rubber plug is removed there should be no oil loss.
Chuck's idea of spares makes sense just to change my 20 year old plugs on my rig.
Scott
Ok, so there was a think film of oil on the inside of the wheel cap. So you'all will need to guide me here.
I can see oil in the glass so it's not dry. I see the black rubber piece in the center of the "glass"Not sure if it comes off or what's behind it. I also see the rubber "plug" on the side of the "cap" and it looks like some type of seal behind the silver ring with the star nuts.
What else?
The plug on the side is the drain. The plug in the center just pops out.
So if there's a leak where is the seal? Behind the e silver ring?
What's the spec in the seal, type of oil, replacement process?
The black plug would be the first on the list and the gasket behind the aluminum housing would be the second. The gaskets don't fail near as often as the center plug and what has already posted there is a small hole for a breather in the center of the plug and it it get plugged up the pressure build up forces oil around the center plug.
If you enlarge the photos you can see the oil level...it is fine. It is leaking around the rubber plug, replace it and all will be good. Just pull it out with your fingers and pop the new one in.
What is the part # and brand? We're outside west Yellowstone and I can make some calls tomorrow.
You will need to take the plug with you there are at least 3 different size Stemco plugs.
With the help of the Forum I pulled center plug today. Plug was replaced 2 years ago with brake job and looks brand new. Center vent hole was clear. I'll pick up 2 spares but that doesn't look like the problem. Seal on back of hub shows no sign of leaking.
I do see a third thin seal behind the thin aluminum ring which seems to hold the clear portion of the hub on.
For now since the oil level seems OK I'll simply keep an eye on situation.
On very minor leaks I put a wad of paper towels in the hubcap until I had time to change the gaskets as that requires draining the gear oil. The towels kept it from showing on the wheel at truck inspection stations which my crane was always picked on because of its age. They figured a '81 truck must have something wrong.
There is a gasket between the aluminum hub and the spindle and a gasket between the plastic and the hub. That is what the Torx screws are holding
Thanks Chuck, and others posting suggestions. Also a YouTube that shows replacing the back gasket. I'm now an "expert".