Leak after rear axle replacement; bubbles on drum. Photo heavy

So I had my rear axle replaced last Friday as part of a TSB that showed axle flange was out of spec. (17 SR5 just hit 7000 miles). It didn't fix any of my vibration or noise issues. Anyway, today when I got to work I checked my drums (habit) and noticed my rear left had little paint bubbles on the surface. Went into my office and it was bothering me so I headed back out into the lot. Brake fluid reservoir is at the max. However, when I got underneath the truck, I noticed dried up fluid sprayed all over the inside of the rear tires. Well, shit. I don't know how long it's been there. I have a 35 mile commute home...bad axle seal?

 

Here are the photos. I don't know if this is just old residue or what from when they did the axle repair, or if it's new. But the fresh bubbles on one drum indicate to me something is spraying on them.

 

Take it back to the stealership and have them check it over. Could be old fluid or not, either way, the area should have been left clean & dry after the service.

 

When I get home today I'm going to get right under and check, will take a photo of fluid on my finger if it's indeed fresh .I really don't recall noticing these because I've been checking under my truck almost everyday since the repairs to make sure everything was ok.

Tried calling the service advisor but he didn't answer. I guess I'll just pop in without an appointment tomorrow AM.

 

I'd take it to another dealer if having a choice. Those guys don't impress me the right way.

 

Could you please elaborate on the TSB and vibration issues you are having? My '18 w/ just over 2000 miles has a vibe when braking at around 20 mph.

Thanks.

 

Appointment for 1:15 today. I want to go back to them since they just did repair and I want to hold them responsible.

 

Photos from my driveway. Confirmed there is fluid seeping, at least that's how I perceive it. No fresh sprays on the tires, but look...

 

Wonder if it is residual fluid from a bleeding when they replaced your axle.

 

You think it would sit there like that all week? It is coated on one of the nuts. The bubbling on my left drum just happened today, not sure if related.

 

Up on the lift now. Have a feeling they will just say residue and send me on my way, I tend to disagree because like I said my head has been up this things ass everyday since the repair checking for anything weird and I would have noticed.

 

You should see my service history sheet. Gonna start needing two pages.

 

Brake fluid should wash off very easily. Soap and water or brakekleen, then you'll be able to see if it returns.

 

As expected, "residual'. They took me in the back to show me, but basically said there were no visible leaks other than what was residual. Took drum off. I'm still skeptical, maybe I'm wrong because I'm not that knowledgeable --- I won't even begin to pretend that I am.

When the drums came off, both gaskets (edit: not actually gaskets?) were cracked even though I was under the impression that they had replaced those with the axle, unless there's another gasket. The tech couldn't really explain to me what they do and said "they don't even really need to be on." Ordered me new ones. Someone elaborate for me, please...You can also see that my drums are rusting at much different rates. To me it looked like fluid spatter that baked on from the heat of the drum. Additionally, on the inside of the driver side drum you can see what look like streaks of fluid. He asked about getting new drums, but the adviser denied the part. He could not explain why there are bubbles on my left rear axle and said it wasn't a problem. I really don't care about surface rust, but the fact that it looks so different from the passenger side drum has me scratching my head. Photos below. Again, I am extremely ignorant in regards to anything vehicle related so please let me know if anything jumps out at you. Appreciate the help.

 

They invited me in. I'm sure they hate me, honestly. I try to be extremely respectful when I'm speaking to them, because I know nothing and don't want to offend anyone. I also don't ever want to be "one of those" customers. But if you're going to invite me back there, I will be taking photos and asking questions. I got to see him clean up all the residue, at least.

 

What gaskets were cracked when the drum was removed? The red stuff on your finger in the above pic looked like grease, brake fluid and diff fluid are neither of those coolers. I’d. Take clean everything yourself and look to see if it does it again

 

Brake fluid eats paint. That's gonna rust very quickly. I'd request new drums.

 

I can guarantee this won’t happen. It’s a drum they might touch it up with a rattle can but they won’t replace it. That amount of fluid or paint it takes off won’t be worse then wear and tear and salty New York roads up there

 

The thin white thing on the inside of the drum. Is that not a gasket? Fuck do I know!

 

Haha I’m sorry let me look at the pic again. Shouldn’t be a gasket there