front hub leaking lube - DIYer fix?

[ScottRussell]

1997 Holiday Rambler Imperial 40WDS diesel pusher on a Spartan Mountain Master chassis.

The front hub on the passenger side is leaking some lube. I know adding lube is super simple (just pull the rubber cap, pour in, and replace cap), but if the hub is leaking, is that something like a passenger car where it just gets tapped into place and removal is about that easy? Or is replacing that part beyond a normal DIY job?

Thanks!

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by ScottRussell

1997 Holiday Rambler Imperial 40WDS diesel pusher on a Spartan Mountain Master chassis.

The front hub on the passenger side is leaking some lube. I know adding lube is super simple (just pull the rubber cap, pour in, and replace cap), but if the hub is leaking, is that something like a passenger car where it just gets tapped into place and removal is about that easy? Or is replacing that part beyond a normal DIY job?

Thanks!

I'm assuming you have a Stemco wet axle assembly. They have a clear round window with a red rubber plug in the center (yours may be discolored). Stemco kits are available (and cheap). You just remove the cap screws around the perimeter (drain into a pan) and the flange comes off. new kit has the flange/window/gasket/rubber plug. Buy a spare. verify the diameter before ordering. you will also need new oil ... locally available ... i use Lucas.

Hub Cap Window Kit, 359-5999, Stemco - Ryder Fleet Products

http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...0%20Gear%20Oil

[ScottRussell]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

I'm assuming you have a Stemco wet axle assembly. They have a clear round window with a red rubber plug in the center (yours may be discolored). Stemco kits are available (and cheap). You just remove the cap screws around the perimeter (drain into a pan) and the flange comes off. new kit has the flange/window/gasket/rubber plug. Buy a spare. verify the diameter before ordering. you will also need new oil ... locally available ... i use Lucas.

Hub Cap Window Kit, 359-5999, Stemco - Ryder Fleet Products

Lucas Heavy Duty 80W-90 Gear Oil : Lucas Oil

Outstanding, Thanks! and yes, it's a clear round window with a rubber plug in the center.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by ScottRussell

1997 Holiday Rambler Imperial 40WDS diesel pusher on a Spartan Mountain Master chassis.

The front hub on the passenger side is leaking some lube. I know adding lube is super simple (just pull the rubber cap, pour in, and replace cap), but if the hub is leaking, is that something like a passenger car where it just gets tapped into place and removal is about that easy? Or is replacing that part beyond a normal DIY job?

Thanks!

Scott
Is the leak through backside/inside wheel seal?.... the outer wheel seal?.... or the gasket of the hubcover?

IMO a gasket leak repair will be an easy DIY project.....replacing the seals not so much, (especially the inside one)!

Mel
'96 Safari

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by ScottRussell

Outstanding, Thanks! and yes, it's a clear round window with a rubber plug in the center.

My pleasure !! Have a look at the retaining screws ... if my memory serves me correctly, I seem to remember they are "star socket head". You can get the wrench set at auto stores pretty cheaply ... it's like an Allen Socket Head screw but not he same. Don't overtighten when reassembly ... just snug as if you were using a screwdriver. take's about 15 minutes per axle.

Like I said, order a spare or two ... the windows are plastic and deteriorate quickly in the sun ... they get very brittle and removing the plug will sometimes break the window.

[ScottRussell]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

My pleasure !! Have a look at the retaining screws ... if my memory serves me correctly, I seem to remember they are "star socket head". You can get the wrench set at auto stores pretty cheaply ... it's like an Allen Socket Head screw but not he same. Don't overtighten when reassembly ... just snug as if you were using a screwdriver. take's about 15 minutes per axle.

Like I said, order a spare or two ... the windows are plastic and deteriorate quickly in the sun ... they get very brittle and removing the plug will sometimes break the window.

I have torx bits, so if that's what it takes, I should be good to go.

Thanks again!

[ScottRussell]

Originally Posted by mel stuplich

Scott
Is the leak through backside/inside wheel seal?.... the outer wheel seal?.... or the gasket of the hubcover?

IMO a gasket leak repair will be an easy DIY project.....replacing the seals not so much, (especially the inside one)!

Mel
'96 Safari

Mel, I'm not sure about the back side. We are finally just now getting weather nice enough to be able to work on it outside. The shop door is only 10' tall, so the RV won't fit. Too bad. The shop is 40x60 and it would be just right for working on it inside.

Right now all I see leaking is the outside, and I've been under it back in December, installing new front leveling valves, but I didn't look at the back side of the front brakes. The service brakes work very well, but I was thinking I'd probably have to pull the wheel and drum to see the rear seal. I'm familiar with automotive and light trucks, but the commercial size stuff is all new to me. I was thinking if the rear was leaking, I'd probably be better served to take it someone with the tools to deal with the massive weight of the wheel/tire assembly, and the drum. I shudder to think what it must weight if I had to remove it.

Thanks for the heads up!

[bruceisla]

FWIW, mine was leaking around the gasket ... then I broke the window ... sigh.

[Petes Dad]

If it is the inside wheel seal, your shows will be wet with gear lube. Look at the drum and backing plate and you will be able to tell. If it is the oiler on the front the outside of the wheel will have cast off of gear lube. The oiler is easy and cheap, $25, the inner seal not as easy but it's just like any other vehicle.