Axle seal leak

Hey guys, noticed this under my truck today, does this look like an axle seal that has went bad?

 

Sure does, looks like it’s been seeping for a while.

 

Okay, would a brake fluid leak look different than that?

 

Is your brake fluid reservoir low? Gear oil has distinct smell and will be sticky. Don't see many wheel cylinders fail on these trucks but it's possible.

 

And no, a wheel cylinder would make a mess like that

 

Alrighty, I’ll have to pull the rear drum and see what’s up

 

A leaking wheel cylinder will look very similar (mine looked just like it). However, you'll notice your brake light goes on and you need to refill your brake fluid reservoir if you're getting this much leaking. If it's still topped off then this is an axle seal leak for sure. Saves you pulling the drum.

 

Axle seals are cheap and fairly easy to replace.
Get yourself 2 right away incase the 1st one doesn't go in straight.

 

x2 -- you can use the mangled first one to help pound in the second.

Change the diff oil while you're at it.

 

I used PVC cap to set the seal. Worked better than using the old seal imo. Also, i agree with getting 2 while at the store. Its more of an annoying than difficult job. Good luck

 

^^^

See -- even this fat-cat, with his fancy-pants PVC cap, still recommends getting two seals!

(I guess I'd recommend getting that PVC cap as well, though?)

 

The PCV cap only cost me 4 shillings and my finest steed good sir