Hubs Leaking Oil

[Melbo]

Just got back from the "BUS RALLY" at Dixon MO and parked the coach in storage.

Time to get it washed up for another trip and when I was doing the "walk around" I noticed oil leaking out of the right front hub cover. I figured that it was leaking and needed a new gasket or seal. I picked up the gaskets and some oil and headed out to do a little work.

As I pulled the plugs and checked the level all the hubs were pretty normal (one tag took about 2 or 3 oz of oil) so the "project" was nonexistent.

Now for the questions. What would cause the oil to leak out more than normal. Was it due to the heat that we drove through? Is there something that I need to check that I did not mention? Is it necessary to "change" the oil in the hubs?

Just wondering what's up here.

Melbo

[gumpy]

First off, from where was it leaking?  Was it coming from the gasket?  Or was it coming from the plug?

I assume from what I read on your post that it was only coming from the hub covers, and not leaking on the inside (brakes, etc).

You don't typically have to change the oil in the hubs. It gets changed when you do  bearing adjustments and seal changes, which should occur
frequent enough that you don't have to worry about changing the oil for the sake of changing the oil.

It will not typically leak for a particular reason other than there is a leak. If it's coming from the gasket, replace the gasket and make sure the cover
flange is not bent. If you overtighten the bolts they will bend the flange and it can leak. If this is the case, replace the cover.

[Scott & Heather]

Mine leak from the rubber plugs in the center. they are old and not so chewy anymore. So i'll be replacing them.

[Melbo]

From the level of the oil in the hubs it would seem that the oil is coming out around the plug but the plugs are still fairly flexible HOWEVER I do have two brand new (never been exposed to oil, road dirt, sunshine, water or installed on a hub) plugs that I can use if I thought it would make a difference.

I have always (since I bought the bus) seen a little bit of oil at the right front and left rear covers. I always kept an eye to see if it ever changed and this was the change. If it was leaking through the gaskets it would seem to me (sometimes I miss stuff) that the oil level would be low and it is not.

Melbo

[Brian Diehl]

Every once in a while the tiny hole in the center of my plugs will get clogged up with dust from driving.  I've had this cause the plugs to leak around the hub cover as the oil heats up and heats up the air.  This causes a slight pressure rise in the hubs.  This pressure then forces small amounts of oil out the plugs.  If you clean the tiny hole in the middle of the plug out you might see your leaking problem disappear.

[Sam 4106]

I had that problem recently and I changed the rubber plug. Problem over.

Good luck, Sam