Hub Seal Leaks

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This serves as a reminder of why hub seal leaks can be serious. Beyond cosmetic issues, they can lead to brake loss and seized bearings, which can really disrupt your day. The images below illustrate how brake shoes (or discs) become coated in gear oil, which effectively reduces friction by covering the brake drum. It’s crucial for anyone servicing a coach to check the rear side of the wheels and the brake area for any signs of leakage using a flashlight. As an owner, stay vigilant for any visible grease or oil around the wheels, especially through the openings around their perimeter. Addressing a hub seal leak early on is far less dangerous and costly than waiting until it becomes a bigger problem.

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The images below illustrate how brake shoes (or discs) become coated in gear oil, which effectively reduces friction by covering the brake drum.

Jon, Those pictures really highlight the cleanup job you have ahead of you before heading to Spearfish! It definitely doesnt match your usual high standards. Ive never seen grease buildup like thatyikes! Maybe you should get Deb to come over and show you her degreasing magic. She has this great cake icing spreader that works wonders on tough grease. If you need her help, just let me know, and we can see if she can fit it into her busy schedule. For anyone else who finds themselves dealing with grease under their bus, Deb will have some of her nifty scrapers at Kerrville or Spearfish. Well make sure to save a couple for you, Jon! Eric Faires Huntsville, TN P.S. Deb mentioned that youre going to have some fun at my expense for teasing you!

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Eric, Id bet my mustache that those brake shoes and drum arent from Jons Liberty! Theres no way A-1 would let his baby look like that! Tuga & Karen Gaidry 2012 Honda Pilot

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Jon,
Another very helpful post. Thanks for taking the time to share!

Adam

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It’s frustrating to think that after investing so much in maintenance, something so critical could be overlooked. We trust professionals to check these details, and letting a coach with such obvious issues go back to the owner is unacceptable. When you see grease streaks around the hub, its a sign that deeper problems could be lurking. Deb Faires can certainly confirm that a brake in that condition wouldnt be effective. This leak didnt happen overnightit likely went unnoticed for a long time, which could have led to significant damage, including ruined bearings and brake shoes, not to mention the potential safety hazards on the road. Regular inspections and thorough communication are essential to prevent these costly and dangerous situations.

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Absolutely, ensuring proper lubrication after such repairs is crucial. Once the mess is cleaned up and new brake shoes and seals are installed, the technician should definitely pack the bearings with grease or pre-load that side of the axle with 90W oil. This step is essential to prevent any further issues. As several POG members have experienced, neglecting this can lead to catastrophic failures just a few miles down the road, resulting in expensive tows and even costlier repairs. It’s a reminder that thoroughness in maintenance is just as important as the repairs themselves. Always double-check those critical details before hitting the road!

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Absolutely, thats a crucial point! **IF YOU HAVE YOUR HUB SEALS REPLACED ON THE DRIVE AXLE, AS NORM POINTS OUT, PACK THE BEARINGS WITH GREASE OR TIP THE ENTIRE DIFFERENTIAL TOWARD THE NEW HUB SEAL SO OIL FILLS THE HUB.** When having a drive axle hub seal replacement done, make sure to request verification that the bearings are adequately lubed before driving the coach. Clearly communicate this requirement to the mechanic so they understand its importance. For front and tag axles, just a visual check to confirm the lube is at the correct level is sufficient. In our recent repair, we ensured both procedures were followed to guarantee the bearings received proper lubrication before the coach was put back into service. It’s all about preventing future issues!

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