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Topic: Oil on wheel issue [Source and Recommendations] (Read 652 times) previous topic - next topic

Oil on wheel issue [Source and Recommendations]

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 (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #1 –
Randy you need to pull the wheel cover and check the seal
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #2 –
Updates.  No major fluid. Level shown at own tip. Thoughts?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #3 –
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.
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: Source and Recommendations

Reply #4 –
What does the inside of the wheel cover look like?

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #5 –
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.
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: Source and Recommendations

Reply #6 –
Also check the small hole in the middle is clear.
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #7 –
If not the rubber plug then the hub cover gasket..
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #8 –
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

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #9 –
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?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #10 –
The plug on the side is the drain. The plug in the center just pops out.
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: Source and Recommendations

Reply #11 –
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? 
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #12 –
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.
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: Source and Recommendations

Reply #13 –
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.
Ralph
96 U270

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Ralph –
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.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #15 –
You will need to take the plug with you there are at least 3 different size Stemco plugs.
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: Source and Recommendations

Reply #16 –
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.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Source and Recommendations

Reply #17 –
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
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: Source and Recommendations

Reply #18 –
Thanks Chuck, and others posting suggestions. Also a YouTube that shows replacing the back gasket. I'm now an "expert". 
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"