88 Ranger Rear Axle / Drum Wet, fluid on ground

[Kegworth]

Hey everyone! Well, this is my first post here. I have an 88 Ranger XLT 4WD, and came out to the truck this morning to small puddle of oil on the ground under the driver side axle / brake / wheel area. Pic attached. It all looks pretty wet. I searched and found a couple possible solutions but just wanted to get a fresh take in case anyone had a direct suggestion.

Many thanks!!

 

[Curious Hound]

Its either brake cylinder or wheel bearing seal. I would make sure the bleeder and brake line fittings are tight . Clean everything with brake cleaner and watch it for a couple days. Also check your brake fluid level. If it’s going down, then definitely the cylinder. Thats a quick, easy, cheap thing to replace.

 

[adsm08]

Well. is it brake fluid, or gear oil?

Does it smell bad?

 

[Curious Hound]

Could pull the wheel and brake drum for inspection. Might make it obvious.

 

[adsm08]

Could pull the wheel and brake drum for inspection. Might make it obvious.

Not likely. It he hasn't already been able to determine if it's the axle seal or the brake system pulling the drum probably won't help much. Both will leak inside the drum, and with as bad as that wheel is covered the inside of the drum is soaked too. Unless the leak is right at the back side of the wheel cylinder.

 

[Curious Hound]

I’ll bet a sandwich that his brake fluid level is pretty low.

 

[adsm08]

I’ll bet a sandwich that his brake fluid level is pretty low.

No bet, I think you are right.

One of the first things most people, especially the uninitiated notice about a severe axle seal leak is the smell of the gear oil. The OP makes no mention of the smell.

 

[Kegworth]

No bet, I think you are right.

One of the first things most people, especially the uninitiated notice about a severe axle seal leak is the smell of the gear oil. The OP makes no mention of the smell.

I'm not home now, but when I get back I'll give the rag a sniff that I wiped it up with haha. Man, thank you all for your very quick replies. Incredible to have a responsive forum. Will be in touch! Sandwiches ready.

 

[sgtsandman]

Gear oil has a strong sulfur smell to it. You shouldn't need to sniff the rag to determine if it stinks.

 

[RobbieD]

Gear oil tastes like Pepsi, brake fluid tastes like Sprite.

 

[sgtsandman]

Gear oil tastes like Pepsi, brake fluid tastes like Sprite.

And you are a bad man.

 

[Kegworth]

Alright, so no stank. (I did sniff the rag just to be certain). So not gear oil, but interestingly enough the brake fluid reservoir is sitting perfectly level. Soooo, is there any other fluid that could be back there? There was no puddle today, just a little wet under the tire.

 

[Kegworth]

also - Pic of the boy for your help!

 

[adsm08]

You probably have a wheel cylinder leaking. They don't loose a ton of fluid, but they do tend to make a huge mess.

Time to pull that wheel.

 

[Curious Hound]

I agree with adsm. Remember, the cylinder primarily only leaks when there is pressure in the system, ie; when you push the brake pedal.