Rear axle seal leaks when off road!

[Mr. Leary]

I went to the local ORV park last saturday, and had a bit of a scare. I hopped a little sideways on a trail and put quite a bit of lateral pressure on my rear driver side tire. What was a little worrisome was the vehicle inspection after the trail. I noticed a few drops of fluid had leaked out, and had dripped down out of the drum. I took mental note to check it throughout the rest of the day and noticed no more leaks. I have been keeping an eye on it for leaks every since, and have found none.

So the question is... is this normal?

Should I replace the axle seals, check bearings?

The brake shoes are surprisingly free from fluid, and I have not noticed any braking issues, so I don't even think the shoes will need to be replaced.

Advice?

 

[rdgt4r]

Your absolutely sure it was gear oil? Smell like it? I can see what you describe as far as the exertion on the specific axle side will it make it leak? thats a damn good question.

Hmm these axle seals are kind of a pain in the ass. I know im gonna preempt the blow out and replace mine soon.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Your absolutely sure it was gear oil? Smell like it? I can see what you describe as far as the exertion on the specific axle side will it make it leak? thats a damn good question.

Hmm these axle seals are kind of a pain in the ass. I know im gonna preempt the blow out and replace mine soon.

Yep. I know that smell.

I have never had a seal "sort of" go out like this before. Usually seals either are or aren't, ya know?

 

[rdgt4r]

Yep. I know that smell.

I have never had a seal "sort of" go out like this before. Usually seals either are or aren't, ya know?

Yeah totally know what you mean.

Hmm i wonder what ExPo, yt, or toyota 120 would say? have you asked there yet?

I haven't heard of it sort of going out or dribbling a little fluid yet.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Yeah totally know what you mean.

Hmm i wonder what ExPo, yt, or toyota 120 would say? have you asked there yet?

I haven't heard of it sort of going out or dribbling a little fluid yet.

Figured I would ask here first.

 

[Victor]

Could it be coincidental that it could be starting to leak prior to your wheeling trip? The axle doesn't move in and out during bumps and such, that's what the 4 retaining bolts from your axle to your axle housing is for. Is to transfer that side thrust to your axle housing then towards your panhard bar.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I think I'm just going to keep an eye on it, may have been a realitevly unique set of circumstances. The bearing has no play, so I'm still completely stumped. Hmmmm.....