Grease Or Oil Leaking On My Front Wheels...

I just noticed after leaving work for the day that both front wheels had a small pool of oil on the wheel. Like an inch diameter puddle, not a lot. Looks like it came from the hubs maybe. I dont think that its brake fluid. It is on the outside of my wheels.

Are there any common things i should be looking for before i just start tearing it apart to look?

 

You have closed knuckle D25or 27 axle? Could be leaking knuckle seals. They are filled with a thick oil/greasy lubricant that can leak out.

 

Im not really sure. Its a 1970 that i believe is all stock. I thought it should be a 27. Will look and get back.

 

Be very careful driving it until you figure out exactly what the problem is. One of my axle (knuckle) seals failed recently on my '67 with a Dana 27. After it was taken apart, it became clear that grease and/or oil had leaked down into the passenger side front brake drum, causing the brake on that wheel to stop working altogether.

I discovered there was a problem when I hit the brakes and found out the hard way that only one front brake was working. The driver's side front wheel locked up, which caused the jeep to jerk hard to the left. Fortunately there wasn't a car in the next lane, as that's where I ended up by the time I got it stopped.

The front brake shoes had to be replaced, as the ones on the passenger side were completely saturated. I went ahead and replaced the axle seals on both sides at the same time.

 

probably wheel bearing grease leaking through hubs . if the knuckle grease is too thin . it will weep through the inner spindles and thin out wheel bearing grease

 

x2

But why is it both front wheels at the same time? What have you done lately that would affect both?

 

Would also check to see if axle vent is clear of debris.

 

i just got this jeep thurday night. drove it 2 hours home on the highway. took it on another 2 hour trip to visit a buddy over the weekend and now just 3 miles to work during the day. there was more oil on the wheel this morning the same as when i left work yesterday. I will likely be ordering seals and bearings today to replace them this weekend. i need to pull the brakes apart to see if it got in there too.

 

go buy the 4WD nut socket . while at parts place

 

PO or Jiffylube may have overfilled it just before selling? Don't go crazy ripping it apart until you check the basics.

 

Hmm. I actually havent checked that... i know the tcase is in 2 high but didnt think to check the hubs. Too much time away from jeeps with sports cars. I appreciate the info so far.

 

I checked this morning and they are out as they should be...

 

Any time I purchase a used vehicle, I drain everything , check for water and shavings in the fluids and refill with new. You never know what kind of care the PO kept up.

 

Ive read it should be full of grease and it should be a mix of grease and gear oil. Which is correct?