grease showing on front wheel

[Robin Goffrier]

I'm sure this has probably been discussed previously and I did a search but must have not used the right words, but here's the question.  I have oil bath wheel bearings on my '01 Marquis.  I noticed some oil or grease that was showing on the chrome wheel emanating from behind the center cap.  In preparation for a 6 month trip around the country I had it checked.  Mechanic kept it for a few days and said no leaks from oil and not to worry about it. So now, 4,500 miles into the trip its doing the same thing. I have another 3000 miles to go.  Its a heavy grease that is being thrown by centrifugal force I'd guess as it streaks out from the center hub. Should I look for service?  Thanks.
Robin G

[Steve Huber]

Robin,
I had a similar problem last summer. Found that the drain plug was loose.
Steve

[Gerald Farris]

Robin,
There should not be any oil leakage from your front wheel bearings. It is probably something simple like the loose plug Steve had, or it could be a crack in the plastic hub cover, gasket leakage, or just an overfilled hub that is leaking out the center rubber plug when the oil is hot. If you are not comfortable in checking it yourself, I would have it looked at by a chassis mechanic/truck shop.

Gerald   

[LaMonte Monnell]

Robin,
There should not be any oil leakage from your front wheel bearings. It is probably something simple like the loose plug Steve had, or it could be a crack in the plastic hub cover, gasket leakage, or just an overfilled hub that is leaking out the center rubber plug when the oil is hot. If you are not comfortable in checking it yourself, I would have it looked at by a chassis mechanic/truck shop.

Gerald   

I the hubs crack, where would you find new ones and new gaskets to install?

[Keith Moffett Co-Admin]

Robin
Last summer we were in a 02 Marquis.  I had the front hubs checked and they slightly over filled them.  Every time the oil got hot it dripped from behind the plug. 
Check the oil (90 wt. Gear oil I think) when sitting on a flat spot and at about 65 deg ambient temp outside.  If you pull the plug you should stick your finger in and find oil about 1/8 inch below the lip.  Be sure to press the plug back in fully.

[Gerald Farris]

LAMonte,
You can buy new hub covers at almost any automotive parts store that carries HD truck parts. The last ones that I bought, I purchased them from Fleet Pride Parts in Phoenix. I think that it is wise to replace the hub covers any time that you have the hubs off if you have over 125,000 to 150,000 miles on your coach. The hub covers get so dark that you can no longer see the oil level through the sight glass and older covers tend to crack more often especially with high brake heat. Also, always use synthetic hub oil when replacing your hub oil in either 75w90 or 75w140.

Gerald