Oily Stain on Tire

[akadeadeye]

What could be the source of an oily stain on the inside of the front driver's side tire. Whatever leaked was not enough to reach the ground, but it is obviously not normal. Our motorhome is a Spartan Allstar Chassis, 2009. It has not been driven since mid November and is in a totally enclosed storage. I just happened to notice this stain today when doing routine battery maintenance and general inspection.

Many thanks for any replies and suggestions.

Don

[GaryKD]

Hi akadeadeye,
Does the stain have a trail? If it is on the tire, is it on the wheel? Consider checking the wheel bearing lube level.

[racer0624]

Sounds like a seal has gone bad.

[GaryKD]

If there is no trail and the bearing lube level is okay, consider cleaning off the stain and see if it reappears. I say this because the stain may be from a critter(s) marking its' territory.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi akadeadeye, Does the stain have a trail? If it is on the tire, is it on the wheel? Consider checking the wheel bearing lube level.

OK. How do you do that on these big monsters?

I did not mention that I had the oil changed recently at a Cummins dealer and they lubed also. I guess this could be excess lube dripping.

Don

[TXiceman]

Wheel bearing seal or possible a brake caliper leaking. It should be sprayed around the tire.

Ken

[David K]

It very well may be excess grease dropping from brake calaper --- I have had it happen before.

[adehaan86]

check brake fluid it could be your brake fluid leaking. If you check fluid and its low then its problem your brakes leaking.

[laj]

It will either smell like 85/140, if its bearing oil,
grease if its from over/ sloppy lubing. All have very distinct smells.

[sknight]

If you just had it serviced it very well could be a trail from leftover grease. A good inspection with a flashlight is in order. So long as the brake caliper is dry and the hub is dry odds are things are fine. Clean it, drive it, reinspect after a few days.

[GaryKD]

Hi akadeadeye,
How did you notice the stain on the inside of the tire? For me, I'd turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Then get a light and something to lie down on. In the space made available on the backside of the wheel, lay down behind the wheel and get under far enough to see if there is a trail. Look at the lube points and see if there is grease coming out. Look all over the components and determine if you see any grease or oil.

As to the wheel hub oil level, return the front wheels to straight ahead. Remove the wheel hub cover. There should be a clear plastic lens that you can see the wheel hub oil level. There will be markings (like a dip stick) to tell if the oil is at the correct level.

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi akadeadeye, How did you notice the stain on the inside of the tire? For me, I'd turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Then get a light and something to lie down on. In the space made available on the backside of the wheel, lay down behind the wheel and get under far enough to see if there is a trail. Look at the lube points and see if there is grease coming out. Look all over the components and determine if you see any grease or oil. As to the wheel hub oil level, return the front wheels to straight ahead. Remove the wheel hub cover. There should be a clear plastic lens that you can see the wheel hub oil level. There will be markings (like a dip stick) to tell if the oil is at the correct level.

Good suggestions from all of you. Thank you.

I will make these checks as soon as is practical since it is in an RV storage barn now with no plans to travel in January .

GaryKD, I discovered it while putting water in my batteries (they are up front of the generator). I was shining the flashlight around underneath and noticed the driver side tire had a dark spot on it in the 6 o'clock position. Can't really turn the tires now since they are on wood planks, and I don't want to start to move until I am ready to drive somewhere. Hah, this could be an excuse to take her for a spin somewhere close .

Don

[Iron Man]

The Spartan chassis has air brakes so no brake fluid. If you can, clean the tire and wheel and then check the bearing lube for the wheel and fill if needed. Keep a check on the wheel to see if the leak persists. If the grease is "clumpy" could be excess grease from greasing the ball joint.

[AFChap]

Quote:

I guess this could be excess lube dripping.

EXACTLY what happened in my case, except that the grease droppings were on the generator exhaust. It was coming from a blown out boot that they apparently over-filled...