well at first i though that it was brake fluid leaking from the drum on the drivers side rear but on closer inspection I think that it is gear oil. I this coming from some where inside the drum and and is all over the place but it seems to be a very slow leak. Wold this be from a bad bearing seal? how though of a job is this to fix. do I need any special tools. how long could I expect? how much would it cost to have it done by a mechanic? By the way my shop is -10* right now and it is near to imposable to heat.

Thank so much for any though or advice This is the best group of minds out there,!! J


By the way I should mention that this is on the f-350 I'm trying to sell and I have a guy coming up on Saturday to look at it.

 

You can easily tell gear oil from brake fluid by tasting it. Brake fluid will taste very bad and gear oil won't really have much taste as all.

If its gear oil yes the seal is bad. You will need a special tool for the axle nut and the seal is pretty easy to replace as long as the brake drum will come off.

 

Here is the socket
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KD-31...QQcmdZViewItem

Also I recommend Scotseal Plus seals availible at Napa. but since your not keeping the truck I would put a cheap seal in. The Scotseals are around $20-30 a piece but they are the best wheel seals out there.

 

Did I mention that socket was a great deal and I was gonna buy then realized it was already sold!! Darn it!!

 

Thanks tj. The brake drums come right off. Is the axle nut socket I like the spindle socket for the front end? What about a puller to pull of the bearing housing ( not sure the real name) the the part that the floating axle bolts to?

By the way thanks for the advice about the the fluid test when My girlfriend was coming driving over the holidays.

 

The socket for the front might fit the rear but the one made for the rear are a bit different than the ones for the front. as for a puller there shouldn't be a need. Once the drum is off remove the bolts for the axle flanger and smack the face of the flange with a large hammer. that will pop is loose. pull the axle out then remove the hub nut. pull the outer bearing off and then the hub should come off with a little pull with your hands.

 

Thanks that dose not sound too bad, hitting the flange dose not wedge it on tighter?? do you hit it after loosening the axle nut? J

 

Now I got what you meant.... Do you know a part # for the seals?

thanks j.

 

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPage...L+-+Rear+Wheel

 

is there one or two seals?

 

one per side

 

Thanks a million time to head to town and get some brake cleaner. and some new seals

 

the hardest thing about that job is trying put gear lube in we its 10* outside.

 

TJ
Thanks a ton, Got it done this afternoon.. easy just like you said I did have to buy the socket though butI may need it latter so no regrets.
I am just amazed at the folks on this site. I have learned so much here!!! Thanks again.J


That is minus 10 out here. the metal feels like it is burning you when you touch it!! burrrr

 

good to hear its all good now! still got a potential buyer coming tomorrow?