Grease on wheel

[Rwnielsen]

Hi guys
On first glance what would you say is causing this on the wheel? The bus just completed a 2200 mile trip.
Thanks in advance

[Rwnielsen]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0v5rxg3tbo...front.jpg?dl=0

I'm not sure how to do this

[Brad_SwiftFur]

My first thought is a possible leaking wheel seal, which is not uncommon for an "oil bath" wheel bearing. Remove the center portion of the wheel cover (if you can), if you find a plastic "window" with a rubber plug in the center, that's the common oil bath wheel seal, which are known to develop leaks with age. Fortunately they aren't expensive and are a fairly easy DIY replacement (if potentially a bit messy). You'll see 2 circles on this plastic window, the oil level is "low" at the outer ring and full when even with the inner one. Here, I even found a short video about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l--gh-S8904

You do *NOT* want the bearings to run dry, they *WILL* run hot and likely fail if they do, possibly losing the tire in the process. The bearings will use a common 75-90 (or similar) gear oil IIRC.
My bus does not have this. I have a solid metal bearing cover that's bolted on, which means I'm running greased bearings.

[Rwnielsen]

I'll pop the cover off and have a look tomorrow. Thanks

[Rwnielsen]

Here's what's inside. I'll pick up an 1-1/2" socket to take off the rest of the chrome cover and pop that cap off. The bus is on leveling jacks right now and I have a 20 ton bottle jack on order from Amazon. The adventure begins...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wxfnqxlpdm...N0101.JPG?dl=0


On a happier note: 64000 miles

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ns4tblibw...5eFaxL2Pa?dl=0

[Rwnielsen]

I jacked that wheel up off the ground and the bearing feels fine, no wobble at all. It's a greased bearing so I'm going to take it to a mechanic to find out where that oil on the wheel is coming from. Brakes look ok too.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Right. Assuming no grease on the outside of where it's supposed to be - One thing black streaks/rust streaks might indicate is the lug nuts aren't as tight as they should be. Or, in your case, is the cover moving against the wheel, even slightly?

[Rwnielsen]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

Right. Assuming no grease on the outside of where it's supposed to be - One thing black streaks/rust streaks might indicate is the lug nuts aren't as tight as they should be. Or, in your case, is the cover moving against the wheel, even slightly?

I'll check tomorrow, I have to take it to the Auto Club for them to validate the VIN.
Thanks for the idea