It looks like I need to replace the hub seal on one of my front wheels. The previous posts that I've found in my searches all seem to be based on a pre-established understanding of how to service them. I need to take a step back and ask a few more basic questions before I just dive in.
- How do I get to the seal? Do I just remove the lug nut covers and then pop the round plate off in the middle with a screw driver?
- I have read of a glass area where you can view the oil level between two lines. Where do I find that?
- What is the process for adding more oil?
Thanks in advance
Elliott, Remove the crome axle cover. Under it is the outer seal. This seal has a nearly clear plastic center. The center has two circles. Inner circle is proper oil level indicator. Outer circle is minimum oil level.
There is a red rubber plug in the very center of the plastic cover that can me removed. You add oil by pouring it into that hole. Then wait a few minutes as the added oil has to flow slowly through the outer bearing to fill the area between the bearings. If low, may take several additions to reach full circle and stay there.
The red plug can leak. Sometimes lubing it and reinserting solves the leak. It is cheap to replace. Purchase a truck parts store.
Not saying that this is the correct part #, but should look like this:
343-4009 by STEMCO - Axle Hub Cap (https://www.finditparts.com/products/454277/stemco-343-4009)
Stemco 4009 is what is on our U240. Stemco 4024 on our U295.
The chrome lug covers unscrew conventionally. If they are old, the plastic adapters will crumble. When you get most of them off, the chrome cover will be loose and easily removable - no prying necessary.
Amazon.com: Alcoa Hex Lug Nut Cover for Two-Piece Flange Nut (001881 10 Pack... (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCT6O3I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Amazon.com: HUBCAP SEAL STEMCO PART #359-5990 (5 SEALS) : Automotive (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QBB7RBR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Get some Lucas hub oil,can find at some auto parts stores and truck stops,let us know what you find when you take the cover off.
Several members have reported water getting into the oil reservoir so it's a good thing to look for even if you have no signs of leakage. Damage from water can be very time consuming and expensive to repair. Check for a silver metallic look to the oil that may indicate metal.
Pierce
For me before every trip I pop off the red cover and I take my finger and dip it in the cap and rub the bottom of the case and check for metal . Works for me ^.^d
Several possible places for the cap to leak oil. See arrows on photo. If you can't determine the exact location of leak, clean the whole area as much as possible, then go for a short drive. When you get back and parked, take another look.
The aluminum caps (on our coach) were installed (at MOT) using the red "gasket in a tube" stuff. If you need to remove the cap for any reason, have a fresh tube of gasket maker on hand for reinstallation.
I think it would be a good idea to check the oil level at least once a year which I haven't done
on the left until now. The right I pulled the wheel when I did the air bag and it would have been
a lot easier to do the right bags on the right if I had. When you say seal, that is on the inside of
the wheel and the hub needs to come off to replace that.
What is the model no for this part?
Reply number 2.
Sorry Elliott didn't see the picture at first. At least it will an easy fix. Should be easy to find.
Thanks guys, it was indeed the red cap. I've attached a couple photos of a new vs aged out cap so other first-timers can see the difference in the flaring that creates the seal. It's hard to capture it in a picture but the rubber shrinks... I'm now going to keep a couple of these on hand in the coach
Love those easy fixes!
Ya, and no tools needed!
Elliott, Curious where you got your red caps?
Was it Amazon as in Reply #3? Or did you get them elsewhere. Your caps look more like rubber versus the ones from Amazon looking more like plastic.
Thanks in advance
I've purchased them at NAPA before. More rubbery.
Same part number as Amazon but I got them from Napa. They had a big ol bag of them behind the counter. $6/ea