Missing Bolt & Wheel Leaking Fluid

[solracem]

Hey Everyone - it's been a while since I've made a post. Which, I guess is a good thing because we've been getting plenty of use out of the ole RV.

Recently I purchased new tires and shortly after I noticed I was missing a bolt on my axle (i think). Does anyone know what type of fluid is leaking from the missing bolt and how to replace it?

Also, if you have a name for the bolt, that'd be great too!

Thanks again for all the help. I'm no mechanic and wouldn't have been able to enjoy my RV without the support of this forum.

[Rickf1985]

That is an axle retaining bolt and the fluid is gear oil. There should be a gasket behind that flange which is actually the end of the axle. You are going to have to remove the rest of the bolts and get a new gasket because for sure the axle has been moving and has destroyed the gasket. Just hope it has not egged out the rest of the bolt holes. Be sure to replace that bolt with a grade 8 bolt and lock washer if the others have the lock washer, some use them and some don't. Then you will need a torque wrench to be sure the bolts are tightened to spec. It is hard to see in the picture but it looks like those bolts have three lines on the head of the bolt? If they do they are grade five and are the wrong bolts, Hopefully the one is missing because it backed out and not because it broke of in the hole.

[solracem]

Thank you. Where do I fill the gear oil?

[solracem]

Also, I’m pretty sure the bolt was never secured properly by the place that put on my new tires. Fairly confident it just backed itself out. Do you think I still need to replace that gasket? If so, do you know what the name of the gasket is and possibly where to buy a replacement.


I appreciate all the help

[BamBam]

Gear oil can be found at any auto parts store. As for the gasket? If you can't find one, you may have to get some gasket material and make your own. That too can be found at the parts store. Not a hard job to do at all. Good Luck

[solracem]

Phew! I was worried about the level of difficulty. Good to hear it's most likely a job that I can do myself.

Pardon my ignorance but, where/how do I refill the gear oil? i??

[Rickf1985]

Depending on which rear is in the vehicle there is a plug usually on the cover on the back of the differential. If not there then it will be somewhere on the front side. Look around halfway up the differential. The axle  would not have had to come out to change tires. You can also usr RTV sealant in place of a gasket but the area needs to be dry so get some brake cleaner fluid and pak th vehicle on a slope with that side being the high side, or put blocks under that wheel and pull up on them to raise that side higher than the other side. This will drain the oil away from that hub so you can clean and dry it. It will need to be level to check and add oil though.