I was having my tires rotated today, and the mechanic noticed oil on my left rear rotor. It was difficult to see anything obvious, but a little research in the RAVE manual suggests that the o-ring is leaking.

A couple of questions:

1) I get intermittent three amigos which I like to think are caused by brake dust, etc. I recently installed Akebono brake pads thinking that perhaps the lower dust would do the trick. I'm guessing that this leaking hub seal may be another cause. Thoughts?

2) Should I change both left and right side seals?

3) Anything else to replace when the o-ring is replaced? Looks like the only other potential part to consider is the hub bearing itself.

4) Saw no symptoms of this leak. Is this very common on older Discos?

DRW

 

Another gremlin that can make the axle seals leak is pressure buildup. The small vent tube from each axle comes out of a banjo bolt, these can become clogged with mud, insect tests, etc. Mine made rear seal leak and mix with brake dust (yummy). Full of mud chiggers.

 

Next time you get the 3 amigos, go get the codes read, don't guess.
As for the leak, if it is the 0-ring just change out the leaking side and as Buzz mentioned make sure your breathe tube is clear.

 

I knew I was going to get the "get your codes read" comment sooner or later. I have an Amigo, and did the modulator mod. Agree that having codes read is the first step to diagnosing and fixing issues.

I sometimes get spurious amigos which clear when I stop the car, sometimes sooner. Hence, my hunch that brake dust (or sunspot activity) is the cause. And, I'm really thinking that this diff fluid leakage may be a culprit.

DRW