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Wheel Seal Problem?

Just got to our BLM campground in Lone Pine, CA and noticed all my wheels looked like the picture below.  I just made an appointment with Temecula Valley RV to have them all looked at.  I have about 300 miles before I get to Temecula RV.  Should I be in a panic or does this look OK until then?  Seems strange that they would all do this at the same time...
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #1
This is a first for me, never seen all 4 wheel seals go at the same time and I have had a lot of experience on vehicle repairs. The front system is individual wheels but over filling the rear end could take out both rears at the same time if the vent was plugged.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #2
Remove the center cap.

Check oil level.

There will be a ring with arrows showing proper oil level (below fill hole with coach on level ground.

If low, add 90 wt gear lube.
If BIG leak, check every 25-50 miles.

No problem.

When having it services/seal replaced, be sure to check for oil on the brake linings.  Replace both sides is they are saturated.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #3
Have you recently had tires rotate or some other work done with the tires. Looks to be a light coating of some lubricant on each lug and not 90 weight.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #4
Are you sure you didn't drive thru oil.. Like others I've never seen 4 at one time.. never even 3 on a 5 axle semi.I do know this does nothing for your concern.. Be sure to let us know what you find and I hope luck is on your side.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #5
Val, last night was Halloween when anything can happen.  Maybe you didn't give some trick or treaters any candy??

BTW..........great pic!

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #6
Just to clarify........ front wheels also?.......... or just the rears?
If fronts too, can you post a photo of them?

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #7
Have you recently had tires rotate or some other work done with the tires. Looks to be a light coating of some lubricant on each lug and not 90 weight.

If tire work was done maybe the tech lubed the wheel studs so he'd only have to torque 300 lbs instead of 450 lbs. But that's a bit of oil.


Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #8
Have you recently had tires rotate or some other work done with the tires. Looks to be a light coating of some lubricant on each lug and not 90 weight.

Doug - I think your hypothesis is right on.  I just got back in from, as suggested by others, removing all the lug covers and the oil in the sight glasses are all at the max and on a few a tad bit above max.  (Noticed that the drive axle does not have sight glasses). I now remember when the Love's tech put on my centramatic balancers he coated my studs with oil and also the nuts.  That was a about 700 miles ago.  The reason I probably am seeing it now is because I boon docked yesterday and today and this morning the road was like talcum powder I left on and must have stuck to the oil that had spun out from the wheel studs and nuts.  So, thank the Lord, I think I am OK.

Thank you for your ideas!
Oscar
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #9
Oscar, I think you are ok, looks like an over achiever tire guy,
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #10
Be aware that torque specs for your wheels are DRY, not with oil or grease.

Yes, he MAY have lowered the torque but if he used the OE specs, they are over-torqued.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #11
What would proper torque be when both lugs and studs are coated with lube? 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #12
Sorry, Chuck I have no idea.

But, someone who can access size, thread count and what grade materials could look it up in one of the on-line resources.

Me, I just do it the it was designed.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #13
I've seen that oil creep before, because I lightly lube my wheel studs or bolts.  It's a New England habit to keep them from rusting together from the winter salt.  But never to that awesome amount.

While whoever the angel is, is parceling out torque specifications, 1992 U225 please?

Brett wrote:
"Sorry, Chuck I have no idea.

But, someone who can access size, thread count and what grade materials could look it up in one of the on-line resources.

Me, I just do it the it was designed."

That, folks, is what I get for being lazy.

And Brett?  You too would oil wheel studs after the first time you twisted off a wheel stud because of rust.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #14
450 ft-lb. dry.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #15
So maybe 340 foot pounds.

Along with our U225 came a plastic bag with a few stripped lug nut pairs.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.


Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #17
Typically in the Aviation Industry,  torqueing a dry torque that has been lubricated, you would reduce the final torque by 20 percent. So the torqueing procedure would be to start at 75% of final torque which would be 270 to set wheel. Then adjust torque to final at 360.  But if written torque procedures are available, then follow them.
Future Foretravel Owners
2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Retired USAF, Retired DOD Civ's
FAA A&P, Indust. Eng., Acft Depot Lvl. Maint.
Larry and Becky Rountree

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #18
The Alcoa manual shows hub piloted two piece lugs as requiring 450~500Ft. Lbs. of torque with light lubrication and no specs for a dry torque. It does give dry specs for the Bud style. AFIK, 99's and later are hub piloted.
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #19
Don, I think the next page covers the lubrication from Alcoa Manuel
Chris

Stud Located, Ball Seat Mounting System
It is recommended to torque to between 450 and 500 foot-pounds. If lubricated with motor oil,
torque should be between 350 and 400 foot-pounds. Note: when dualing steel wheels with Alcoa
aluminum wheels, follow the steel wheel manufacturer's recommendations regarding the proper
torque and use of thread lubricants to mount the wheel.
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

 

Re: Wheel Seal Problem?

Reply #20
Thanks Chris! I haven't looked at the whole manual in sometime now. I just remember what was applicable to our hub piloted wheels. Just goes to show, when in doubt, read the manual! Having this info online is great, just takes some "searchfu" to ferret it out.
Don
Don, I think the next page covers the lubrication from Alcoa Manuel
Chris

Stud Located, Ball Seat Mounting System
It is recommended to torque to between 450 and 500 foot-pounds. If lubricated with motor oil,
torque should be between 350 and 400 foot-pounds. Note: when dualing steel wheels with Alcoa
aluminum wheels, follow the steel wheel manufacturer's recommendations regarding the proper
torque and use of thread lubricants to mount the wheel.

The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson