Community Forums

JEFFSHUSTER · 05-31-2020, 07:44 PM

I just had the same issue. We replaced the gasket but still had a leak. Turned out to be the red plug for adding grease. Once replaced there were no more leaking.

JodeeD · 06-01-2020, 12:00 AM

We had this happen on our tag where the retainer ring was not installed correctly, and the wheel hub cracked.

Gary.Jones · 06-01-2020, 06:47 AM

Notice how NO ONE conceptualizes this issue as "road scum"?

This pattern comes from seepage, leakage, from the hub lubrication system or from lubrication somehow slopped on the hubcap itself. Its there for a reason.... often its not a very important problem.... a whole lot of this staining CAN BE an important issue that you need to pay attention to.... the pattern we see in the OPs picture is a minor issue that needs to be examined, but probably needs no major correction beyond retorquing, or a new seal, or just some scrubbing.

Gary

philnail · 06-01-2020, 08:05 AM

This is a 5 minute simple fix

1: Lightly tighten the bolts around the cover. Note the word LIGHTLY

2: take about 8 sheets of paper towels and wrap them around the outside axle.

3: Put the cap on and drive

4: The paper towels will help to soak up the small amount of oil while driving

5: Based on your picture you do NOT need a gasket.

Do the above and you will be all set

bsaldeen · 06-01-2020, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMBluept

Bob,
If you are heading down south to Albuquerque you may want to give Statkus Engines a call: statkusengines.com

Thanks Albert! I'll keep them in mind, because we are in NM fairly often. But at the moment we're in CO heading the opposite direction from ABQ.

As it turns out, I cleaned that wheel a couple hundred miles ago, and the problem hasn't come back. So as some folks suggested, maybe not a "leak" but a "seep"---still--I want to get it addressed.

Thanks again to everyone who offered suggestions and ideas... all good stuff.

757driver · 06-01-2020, 10:55 AM

Another reason for stains like that is from driving through rain which washes out any residual drops and debris from around the hub, the center cap, and around the wheel nuts and deposits it on the aluminum wheel.

Steve 716 · 06-01-2020, 11:13 AM

What you are seeing is leaking hub oil and it can be caused by one of two things - a leaking hub seal or too much oil. I had leakage issues on all four of my hubs until Spartan finally replaced them with a new style seal.

Here is what you should do.

First, check the oil level at each wheel. There is a plastic window that lets you see the level. It should be BETWEEN the fill and full marks. If you take it to completely full some will leak out when you drive.

Second, if you need to add oil use 80 weight gear oil. Make sure the fill screw is vertical or close to it before adding oil.

Third, make sure the fill screw is closed tightly. Tighten enough to make sure oil won't leak, no more.

Fourth, tighten the hub bolts on all four wheels to 16 to 18 foot pounds.

Last, clean the oil off of your aluminum wheels. If you are still leaking you will see more evidence on clean wheels.

If you still see leaking after driving some distance, take pictures and send them to the Spartan service group. They will work with you to find a shop convenient to you and will ship new seals to be replaced under warranty.

While you are at it remove the radiator cap from your surge tank and feel the inside if the neck. If you find rust take a picture and send it to Spartan. They will ship a replacement bottle with a stainless steel neck to a shop for warranty replacement.

Straykat · 06-01-2020, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surmotor

Newbie here, will there be fluid coming out when replacing the gasket?

As a former mechanic, When replacing the gasket it is best to run that tire up on a 4-6 inch block to lift the end of the axle so the fluid inside will run away, inside the hub or axle housing, to the other side of the wheel bearing make for less oil leaking on the wheel. When you finish and fill the hub leave the chrome top hat of until you have driven it again to get the oil level set. This works best when doing an axle gasket on a differential. Easy repair, couple of hours with cleanup and all.