Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Rear Axle Leak?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 25, 2022 | 09:51 AM
  #1  
Lynn Gräber's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 332
Likes: 72
From: Nashville
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default Rear Axle Leak?

Got some fluid coming from somewhere. Pretty sure its not the brakes, that fluid level has not changed over the past two weeks. See pic.



Reply
Old May 25, 2022 | 10:24 AM
  #2  
exasemech's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 971
Likes: 473
From: North East USA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Rub your fingers on it and if it smells like stinky hypoid gear lube it's the axle seal
Likely will need some new brake shoes.
Reply
Old May 25, 2022 | 12:14 PM
  #3  
robsjeep's Avatar
CF Veteran
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 411
From: San Mateo, CA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Renix, stock.
Default

smell test, or rinse with large amount of water, when dry if it was brakefluid it will be gone, if gear oil it will still be there. water will bead up on oil coated surface, water will absorb into brakefluid.

Reply
Old May 25, 2022 | 12:16 PM
  #4  
robsjeep's Avatar
CF Veteran
5 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 411
From: San Mateo, CA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 Renix, stock.
Default

brakefluid will destroy paint so if brakefluid, immediatly rinse the fluid off with lots of water. left as it is if brakefluid, it will strip the paint from the backing plate, cause rust.
Reply
Old May 25, 2022 | 01:06 PM
  #5  
fb97xj1's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 338
From: PA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

Being wet on the outside of the backing plate my first guess was brake fluid. Pinhole in the line, loose fitting or loose bleeder. Pull that drum regardless to make sure the shoes are not contaminated with brake fluid, or gear oil. I would also check the wheel cylinder. Pry the boot back a little, being careful not to tear it as it keeps dirt out. Should be dry in there.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rooch1008
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
21
Jan 19, 2016 08:04 AM
jeepweezer
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
Dec 30, 2012 07:50 PM
norcal_redneck
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
2
Jul 27, 2010 06:20 PM
jonesp
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
Apr 10, 2010 10:30 PM
iNanni
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
Sep 3, 2009 08:07 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:17 PM.