Leaking axle?

[wisconsinz]

Hey guys,

Searched a few threads regarding axle seals/leaks but couldn't find any photos that helped me diagnose this...

For a while now the right front tire rim has been collecting grease/soot. I've heard it could be soot from brake dust but the calipers were changed a couple years ago and the pads are fine. With the tires off the left rim turned significantly easier than the right which makes me concerned (may be why I'm hearing strange sounds from the right as I drive). As you can see from the photos there is a significant build up of what looks more like grease on the right side. The locking hub seems greasier also. Any theories?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Russm]

One of my locking hubs disintegated, caused a bunch of noise on one side. If you set both hubs to lock does the noise go away?

 

[cucvrus]

Hey guys,

Searched a few threads regarding axle seals/leaks but couldn't find any photos that helped me diagnose this...

For a while now the right front tire rim has been collecting grease/soot. I've heard it could be soot from brake dust but the calipers were changed a couple years ago and the pads are fine. With the tires off the left rim turned significantly easier than the right which makes me concerned (may be why I'm hearing strange sounds from the right as I drive). As you can see from the photos there is a significant build up of what looks more like grease on the right side. The locking hub seems greasier also. Any theories?

Thanks in advance!

At a glance I would say you have several things going on there. I would tear into it and service a few things in that front end. The axle U joints look dry and worn out. I am currently working on a similar issue on an M1009. Check this out. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/cucvrus-repair-projects.192437/page-4



Good Luck with your project and hope it works out well. The parts are not really expensive. The labor would be a killer at current shop rates. Do it right the first time. I also think the inner axle seals are leaking. Not bad enough that it would concern me seeing the rockers and what I can see of the vehicle. When I want the inner seals replaced I pay to have them done. It requires removal of the center carrier. I remove the entire axle and disassemble it to bare bones and drop it off for seal replacement. Saves a few hours labor. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/1986-cucv-m1009-decade-after-being-wrecked.173878/page-8#lg=post-2151744&slide=0

Looks like it needs to visit a grease gun real soon. Ball joints and the works are probably in need of attention. Good Luck. Be Safe.

 

[Sharecropper]

At a glance I would say you have several things going on there. I would tear into it and service a few things in that front end. The axle U joints look dry and worn out. I am currently working on a similar issue on an M1009. Check this out. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/cucvrus-repair-projects.192437/page-4



Good Luck with your project and hope it works out well. The parts are not really expensive. The labor would be a killer at current shop rates. Do it right the first time. I also think the inner axle seals are leaking. Not bad enough that it would concern me seeing the rockers and what I can see of the vehicle. When I want the inner seals replaced I pay to have them done. It requires removal of the center carrier. I remove the entire axle and disassemble it to bare bones and drop it off for seal replacement. Saves a few hours labor. https://www.steelsoldiers.com/threads/1986-cucv-m1009-decade-after-being-wrecked.173878/page-8#lg=post-2151744&slide=0

Looks like it needs to visit a grease gun real soon. Ball joints and the works are probably in need of attention. Good Luck. Be Safe.

Ditto on what Rick said. I suggest you rebuild that front axle all the way through. You don’t have to be a certified mechanic, the step-by-step procedure is in the Technical Manuals ( short for “TMs ). The first time I tore into a GM front axle back in the 1970’s I was scared shirtless. But once I got through it I then understood it clearly. There are plenty of folks on SS who will gladly and freely offer advice and help, Rick being one of those precious resources ( sorry Rick, couldn’t think of another word ).
Hope this helps.