Diagnosis and Priority of Problems...

My jeep has a couple problems I need to fix, but I am wondering what the root cause is and how much work might be involved in fixing. Also, I want to know if you would drive it across the state as it is or address them right away.

1. Oil leak. I took the jeep on its first real trip, about 2 hours round trip. After that, it started dripping pretty steady from the bellhousing/engine interface. I think it's engine oil so I guess that makes it the rear crank seal, but I suppose it could be a transmission seal too. It leaks a puddle the size of a saucer overnight.

2. Greasy wheel. The driver's side locking hub seems to be dripping while driving. It puts a radial pattern of grease on the wheel. Not so much when stopped, there's no puddle or streak on the tire or anything. I assume this is just an easy replacement of the gasket, but are there surprises commonly lurking back there?

3. Clunk. When starting out in first, especially after backing up, there's a clunk from the back of the jeep. I'm thinking it might be a U joint.

What are your thoughts on these? Thanks in advance!

- Ian

BTW, it's a 69 CJ5 with a Dauntless V6 and it appears to be the original drivetrain.

 

2)

I have the same issue. Hubs get hot and grease leaks out. I'm gonna bet the orings in the locking hub are bad if you have locking hubs, or the grease used was not "tacky" enough and is slinging out.

3)

Check for ujoint play, and check all the bolts along the drive shafts.

just my .02

 

Sounds like it could be a UJ. Put it in neutral, wheels blocked, and give the shaft a shake.

You don't want heavy grease in a locking hub, just a light wipe. O-ring and/or gasket are easy to do.

Oil leak could be drivable, BUT you must check the fill levels every day, at least. If it's the rear main it may leak more as you drive, than standing.

 

Yes you don't want a lot of grease, my thought was maybe the viscosity of the grease could be too light.

 

Regardless of the viscosity of grease or oil there should be no leaks from the locking hubs. If coming from around the dial then an o-ring or v-seal is leaking. If between the locking hub and bearing hub then The gasket is leaking.

I agree, double check the U-joints, but also check engine/transmission/transfer case mounts, axle to spring U-bolts, u-joint u-bolts, etc., etc.



Sent from my iPhone

 

Thanks for all the advice! I took apart the locking hub and found that there are no gaskets in it. None where it meets the spindle, and none where the dial meets the hub. Bubba thought a bit of permatex would seal it and it probably did for a long time. Parts are on the way and that will be one less issue...

 

You are correct, it could be either the rear seal or the front transmission seal ... or both. Neither one prevents you from driving it as long as you keep an eye on the fluid levels. You might be able to remove the inspection cover from the top of the bellhousing and and peak in with a flashlight to see for sure.

 

Check your valve cover gasket. If they are leaking, it runs down the back of the block and seems to be a rear seal leak.