[C2] Leaking Trailing Arm
Thread Starter
Driftwood 26
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: SC
Leaking Trailing Arm
Once a trailing arm starts leaking how long do you have before it overheats and fails? I assume there will be some noise before it S**ts the bed. I'm sure this depends on how much of the fluid is leaking and how fast/much driving is done. The weather is so nice now I'm putting the job off as long as possible.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,658
Likes: 3,665
From: Central Arkansas
There's nothing in a trailing arm to leak. Do you mean the differential? If you have fluid on your trailing arm it's probably brake fluid although on the pass side it might be possible for a leaking gas line to get it wet.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,265
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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Thread Starter
Driftwood 26
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: SC
Feeling stupid
Thanks Dan. Of course there's not. Not sure where i even cooked up that notion. I always learn something on this forum everytime I dip in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,317
Likes: 289
From: Ocala FL
Actually, a trailing arm can leak if the bearing gets hot enough to liquefy the grease and burn out the seal. If that happens, it has already failed.
Most likely like others said, you have brake fluid. Look at the caliper and see if it is wet.
Feel it. Brake fluid doesn't feel like grease or oil. If you have DOT 5, then the wetness will be purple. Dab it with a paper towel and see what it looks like.
The gas line would only be if it is sitting. Otherwise, the air flow and heat while moving would evaporate it quickly.
Most likely like others said, you have brake fluid. Look at the caliper and see if it is wet.
Feel it. Brake fluid doesn't feel like grease or oil. If you have DOT 5, then the wetness will be purple. Dab it with a paper towel and see what it looks like.
The gas line would only be if it is sitting. Otherwise, the air flow and heat while moving would evaporate it quickly.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
Gas, brake fluid and rear end grease all have distinctively different smells as well. Should not take very much to determine what it is, or at the very least to eliminate a couple things it's NOT.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Wilton Ca.
Gary
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Thread Starter
Driftwood 26
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: SC
Leaking trailing arm
Gents,
Took some pictures of the trailing arm in question above. Haven't attached pics here before. Please let me know if they don't come across properly. It does appear the grease is coming out of the wheel bearing but there isn't any noise associated with it (that I can hear). The grease is very dark and thick and smells like bearing grease. I did not taste it! So, back to my original question, I think, as to how much I can get away with driving it. I imagine not at all.....
Thanks again,
Dan
Took some pictures of the trailing arm in question above. Haven't attached pics here before. Please let me know if they don't come across properly. It does appear the grease is coming out of the wheel bearing but there isn't any noise associated with it (that I can hear). The grease is very dark and thick and smells like bearing grease. I did not taste it! So, back to my original question, I think, as to how much I can get away with driving it. I imagine not at all.....
Thanks again,
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 447
From: NJ Hockey beer league
If that is truly grease, it is possible that someone previously may have tried to grease the wheel bearing with a tool that claims to accomplish that from the outside without disassembly. The excess grease comes back out, and it is easy to damage the grease seal in the process. I'd clean it all up and check the rear bearings for play. The proceedure is outlined in the shop manual. Do you have evidence of grease on the other side as well? If all is tight and smooth, drive it some more and see what happens. 
Pilot Dan
Pilot Dan
Thread Starter
Driftwood 26
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: SC
It is a high mileage 64 Vert that was cared for 30 years by previous owner. He never had any issues and denies trying to force grease into bearings. I'll check bearings for play tomorrow.
Thanks again!
Dan
Thanks again!
Dan
With Pilot Dan in as far as cleaning the area as thoroughly as possible. Only then, can you truly determine exactly WHAT & WHERE it's leaking.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,658
Likes: 3,665
From: Central Arkansas
30 years ago only goes back to 1986/87. That leaves 20+ years someone could have tried to do something to lube the rear bearings. I second the advice above but if it's a high mileage car I would plan on having the rear trailing arms rebuilt before too long just for peace of mind.