Hi, I have just noticed this oil leak from one of the van wheels. I assume this is something to do with the bearings. would it indicate it is a worn/broken seal or the bearing is stuffed and will need replacing. any ideas or advice welcomed.
Nope, no indication of bearing or seal issues at all.
The grease/dust cap is leaking, that is all. Jack the wheel up, take it off the wheel and the grease cap, clean it up, ensure that it is a good fit and replace it, but while you are there check for movement in the bearings and the cleanliness of the grease.
To do all of this, re grease, adjust the bearing pre load and put it all back together will take a beginner under an hour and someone experienced about 15 minutes.
A worthwhile job to be able to do at home or on the road and could save you some grief, not to mention a pile of money.
Cheers,
Peter
Treecrest said
05:00 PM Mar 6, 2019
I agree with Peter -just the dust cap leaking.
Has the van not been shifted for some months and if yes, has this wheel been in direct sunshine during extremely hot days? Just trying to understand why it has just started to run..
Glen
Bush walker said
06:00 PM Mar 6, 2019
Being on the front of the wheel it would be from the dust cap, check that they are on properly Myself I jack up the van every 2 years take the bubs off wash out and check the bearings and seals and repack them with fresh top quality grease and I have never had problem with the wheel bearings while traveling. Just make sure that you do not over pack the wheels with too much grease as it will be forced out past the seals
wombat50 said
07:06 PM Mar 6, 2019
thanks for the replies.
the van hasn't been moved for 3months. it gets a bit of sun on the wheels but not all day.
it had a full service 12 months ago and late last yr we did approx. 9000klms.
Ross
Moonraker said
08:06 PM Mar 6, 2019
To add to the above comments. Use a high temperature wheel bearing grease, I use Castrol HTB2, Penrite is another. After cleaning all old grease out of the bearing and hub fully pack grease into the bearing there is a tool that helps do this but by hand work the grease into all the rollers. Good idea to fit a new rear seal to the hub and then grease into the centre of the hub. When refitting the cap dont pack the cap with grease it will come out and make a mess anyway. Tighten the nut, fit and spin the wheel backoff the nut until the wheel spins freely fit the split pin you may have to back off the nut further very slightly to get the pin to align with the hole. Once all bearings have been regreased and wheels fitted take the van for a short run then jack up each wheel in turn and check for play in the bearing by pushing the wheel back and forward, there should be very little play if any. Once travelling on the road for half an hour check the temperature of each hub by placing your hand on it, it should be ambient temperature definately not hot. I do this at the start of every trip just to check all is well with the wheels before travelling to far out of range of home. Havent had a problem yet but if I did I havent got far to get home and fix any issue as well as peace of mind. You might be able to find a demo of the process on youtube.
Craig1 said
08:44 PM Mar 6, 2019
Could I suggest axle stand or solid support, no bricks or besser bricks as well if you are going diy.
darjak said
10:08 PM Mar 6, 2019
I use a small bead of silicon to hold the dust cap
on never have a problem, just takes a bit longer
when it's time to service bearings.
Another point when replacing grease seals always
use metal ones not rubber coated as they hold better.
Hi, I have just noticed this oil leak from one of the van wheels. I assume this is something to do with the bearings. would it indicate it is a worn/broken seal or the bearing is stuffed and will need replacing. any ideas or advice welcomed.
Ross
The grease/dust cap is leaking, that is all. Jack the wheel up, take it off the wheel and the grease cap, clean it up, ensure that it is a good fit and replace it, but while you are there check for movement in the bearings and the cleanliness of the grease.
To do all of this, re grease, adjust the bearing pre load and put it all back together will take a beginner under an hour and someone experienced about 15 minutes.
A worthwhile job to be able to do at home or on the road and could save you some grief, not to mention a pile of money.
Cheers,
Peter
Has the van not been shifted for some months and if yes, has this wheel been in direct sunshine during extremely hot days? Just trying to understand why it has just started to run..
Glen
Being on the front of the wheel it would be from the dust cap, check that they are on properly Myself I jack up the van every 2 years take the bubs off wash out and check the bearings and seals and repack them with fresh top quality grease and I have never had problem with the wheel bearings while traveling. Just make sure that you do not over pack the wheels with too much grease as it will be forced out past the seals
the van hasn't been moved for 3months. it gets a bit of sun on the wheels but not all day.
it had a full service 12 months ago and late last yr we did approx. 9000klms.
Ross
on never have a problem, just takes a bit longer
when it's time to service bearings.
Another point when replacing grease seals always
use metal ones not rubber coated as they hold better.