Strange Rear axle leak

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johnm
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Strange Rear axle leak

Post by johnm »

Mrs Johnm called to report that she'd had oil appear by a rear wheel after the car had been parked sideways on on a steep bank. The oil appeared by the lower rear wheel.

It was VERY hot and so I'm assuming (until I see the car at the weekend) that it must be coming out of the rear axle breather, but I did wonder whether, given the angle the car was at, it might be coming out via the hub oil seal.

Any thoughts anyone??
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Kevin
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Post by Kevin »

Definatly oil and not brake fluid I hope.
Cheers

Kevin
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rayofleamington
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Post by rayofleamington »

Axle oil - generally thicker and smellier than other oils...
If it comes out of the hub then most likely it's the hub seal.
If it leaks on to the back of the wheel and U-bolts, then it could be axle case corrosion in the U-bolt area.
If it's leaked from somewhere else then you'll have to search to find where.

If it's brake fluid, don't use the car until it is fixed.

If it's the local cat, hiss loudly next time you see it ;-)
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wanderinstar
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Post by wanderinstar »

This is just what happenned to me, and I had just replaced all the hub seals. Turned out to be bearing and seal turning in hub. Pull halfshaft out and see if hub moves on bearing.
Ian.
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Stig
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Post by Stig »

I doubt you could fill the axle full enough for it to come out of the breather without risking the car tipping over. I'd have to go along with the hub bearing/seal diagnosis, sorry.
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Judge
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Post by Judge »

rayofleamington wrote:Axle oil - generally thicker and smellier than other oils...
If it comes out of the hub then most likely it's the hub seal.
If it leaks on to the back of the wheel and U-bolts, then it could be axle case corrosion in the U-bolt area.
If it's leaked from somewhere else then you'll have to search to find where.

If it's brake fluid, don't use the car until it is fixed.

If it's the local cat, hiss loudly next time you see it ;-)
Difficult to differentiate between gear oil and cat, they both seem to smell the same :wink:
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Kevin
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Post by Kevin »

Difficult to differentiate between gear oil and cat, they both seem to smell the same
But one is generally thicker than the other
Cheers

Kevin
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SR
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Post by SR »

yeah ,and at least the oil is of some use,where as cats aint :x , fetch me my gun boy!!!!!!!
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1070767
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bmcecosse
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Post by bmcecosse »

And don't park side-on on steep hills!
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NZJLY
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warning - cat pun

Post by NZJLY »

Judge wrote:Difficult to differentiate between gear oil and cat, they both seem to smell the same :wink:
put the wrong one in your diff and there could be a catastrophe :roll:
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Blunt
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Re: warning - cat pun

Post by Blunt »

NZJLY wrote:
Judge wrote:Difficult to differentiate between gear oil and cat, they both seem to smell the same :wink:
put the wrong one in your diff and there could be a catastrophe :roll:
Either way urine trouble :P

I'll get me coat
My Karma just ran over your Dogma
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NZJLY
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Re: warning - cat pun

Post by NZJLY »

oh the pussabilities of moggie puns :)

why :o

beclaws we can :lol:
Blunt wrote:I'll get me coat
I'll get me coat too :D
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bigginger
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Post by bigginger »

...after fitting the exhaust with a cat. Stale old joke, sorry everyone. I've lost my cloakroom ticket :(
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Judge
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Post by Judge »

After reading the last four examples, it's a wonder I'm not in a catatonic state :wink: :D
Bill Hewlett

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bigginger
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Post by bigginger »

It's very cathartic though. Ouch...
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NZJLY
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Post by NZJLY »

purrfect ;)

And totally off topic :o
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NZJLY
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Post by NZJLY »

bigginger wrote:...after fitting the exhaust with a cat.
I didn't know they fitted catalytic converters to moggies :o live and learn, or just think and pun-tificate :oops:
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Blunt
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Post by Blunt »

:oops: I started summat there didn't I? :oops:
My Karma just ran over your Dogma
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NZJLY
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Post by NZJLY »

Don't worry. It is in the MMOC charter that a post has to go off topic within 5 posts :o Unless it is in the off topic section, then it has to mention a morris within 5 posts :D

So it is our duty to drop the odd pun or joke in there, and bring cheer and happiness to the civilised world :roll:
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johnm
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Post by johnm »

Having had a look at the car last night I'm confident that it leaked from the hub oil seals and the neighbours cat is innocent :evil:

So I'll be checking the oil level this morning and then it's wheel and drum off for a good look.

Damn nuisance, but c'est la vie
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