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oil on tire

Noticed an oil streak coming from the hubcap running down the left front tire.  Is this a repair that a truck tire shop could handle or should I look for something more like a full service truck repair company?
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: oil on tire

Reply #1 –
Dwayne,
That sounds like the description of a hub that is slightly over filled, if that is the case, the bad part is the messy front rim, mine have been doing that since I have had the coach. that is about 30,000 miles ago. still does it, even though I have lowered the oil level in the hub, guess not enough.  One day when I get real ambitious, I will remove the hub, clean, check bearings, and  reinstall with correct bearing setting, then refill with proper hub oil. I learned years ago, the normal 85W-90 type gear oil is  better than no oil, but not the best choice.  Greyhound runs #30 engine oil in their hubs or did at one time, everyone has an opinion as you will read.
FWIW

Re: oil on tire

Reply #2 –
Coming from hubcap may just be fill plug leaking or it came out.
Back side of tire is usually oil seal.
To answer your question, yes a truck center can repair it.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428

Re: oil on tire

Reply #3 –
Dwayne, Pull the cover off, plug may be loose or hardened up and leaking.
Gary B

Re: oil on tire

Reply #4 –
Mine were leaking a year ago and I just pulled them off, cleaned really good and put a few wrappings of Teflon tape around the outside sealing area and pushed them back in. Not a drop since that. Yes, I did leave the oil in!!
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: oil on tire

Reply #5 –
The plugs for the front  hub oilers are readily available at any truck parts store.  They get hard and shrink up and that's why they leak, or they fall out.
Gary B

Re: oil on tire

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
Noticed an oil streak coming from the hubcap running down the left front tire.  Is this a repair that a truck tire shop could handle or should I look for something more like a full service truck repair company?

If you find that your hubs need oil, most likely you will need new seals which are on the inside part of the wheel hub. The repair kit contains a new seal and a ring upon which the seal seats.

Stemco Hub Cap Window Kit
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: oil on tire

Reply #7 –
Dwayne,

You will need to remove three lug nuts to get the center cap off. If you look closely you will see which nuts hold only the wheel and which hold the wheel AND the center cap.  Only then can you tell if your leak is from a plug that has blown out and is easily replaceable or if a new seal is needed.  If it needs to be resealed, it is a job for a HD truck place.  They need to use a dial indicator to set axle end play.

I would drive it as little as possible before diagnosing and making sure there is oil in the hub.  If that small quantity runs out, the bearing will seize.  NOT good news if you are on the road.

Brett
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: oil on tire

Reply #8 –
Why not have a hole in the center of hub cap to check hub oil level and leaks without having to remove cap?

Re: oil on tire

Reply #9 –
Barry, How do you keep "trash" out of the opening.
1993 U300, 6v92
build 4366
USAF retired, Flight Engineer, C124, C130
 ATP, A & E.  & ex AI

Re: oil on tire

Reply #10 –
Nothing gets into the hub cap through the 2-1/2" hole and hub oil level can be checked whenever we start a trip. No surprises.

Re: oil on tire

Reply #11 –
Barry, That is a neat setup, I have thought of drilling a hole in the fancy hub cover for just such a view.
On my hubs, I have always seemed to have a very light mist type, just enough to catch the dust etc, look like a leak, but, not leaking, just the mist type, so I wipe it off.  Been doing it since had the coach, maybe I should try new plugs in center .

Re: oil on tire

Reply #12 –
Most of the chrome shops sell covers with the hole, or without.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: oil on tire

Reply #13 –
You might also try a hub plug that is vented, that may help with future problems as well, helps keep the pressure down as the hubs heat and cool during normal operation. . When I did my front seals, I use a product Sentinel lubricants syn semi fluid grease #8, and you must use vented caps. It is nasty to install but once you have new seals it will not leak. I run it all of the wheel ends on our class 8 trucks and trailers. It will not work on drive axles though.
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