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Topic: Front Hub Maintenance (Read 726 times) previous topic - next topic

Front Hub Maintenance

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
    1987 Grand Villa ORED
    2001 U320 4010

    Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #1 –
    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.
    Rudy Legett
    2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
    2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
    1995 U320 M11 400 hp
    1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
    Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #2 –
    Not saying that this is the correct part #, but should look like this:

    343-4009 by STEMCO - Axle Hub Cap

    Stemco 4009 is what is on our U240.  Stemco 4024 on our U295. 
    Dave and Kelli
    1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
    1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
    2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #3 –

    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...

    Amazon.com: HUBCAP SEAL STEMCO PART #359-5990 (5 SEALS) : Automotive

    As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
    Matt B
    1998 u-320

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #4 –
    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.
    96 U270 BUILD 4810
    85 380SL
    Drummonds TN.

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #5 –
    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
    Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
    '93 U300/36 WTBI
    Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
    1140 watts on the roof
    SBFD (ret)

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #6 –
    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
    Andy & Eileen
    MONTROSE COLORADO
    1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
    2016 4 Runner
    1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

    1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #7 –
    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.

    1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
    C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
    960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
    Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
    "Nature abhors a vacuum"

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #8 –
    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.
    Peter and Frieda Morin
    1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
    Build # 5436
    1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #9 –
    What is the model no for this part?

    Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
    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.
    1991 Grand Villa U300

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #10 –
    Reply number 2.
    96 U270 BUILD 4810
    85 380SL
    Drummonds TN.

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #11 –
    Sorry Elliott didn't see the picture at first. At least it will an easy fix. Should be easy to find.
    Peter and Frieda Morin
    1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
    Build # 5436
    1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #12 –
    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
    1987 Grand Villa ORED
    2001 U320 4010

    Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #13 –
    Love those easy fixes!
    Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
    2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
    Build # 6215
    MC # 16926
    2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #14 –
    Ya, and no tools needed!
    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: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #15 –
    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
    Mark & Bev
    2001 U295 36' Slide
    Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
    Build #5802
    Jeep Wrangler Toad

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #16 –
    I've purchased them at NAPA before.  More rubbery.
    Mark, Monique & Steven Hachigian
    2004 36U295 Build No. 6239
    2011 Honda CRV 4WD
    2024 Dynamax Isata 5 30fw Xplorer

    Re: Front Hub Maintenance

    Reply #17 –
    Quote from: MarkC –
    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
    Same part number as Amazon but I got them from Napa. They had a big ol bag of them behind the counter. $6/ea
    1987 Grand Villa ORED
    2001 U320 4010

    Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.