Hey everyone,

I just got home and walked around my truck and seen a couple drips on the ground. So I looked in the well and see it was all 'oil-ly'. I snapped some pictures to get your opinion what it is. The only fluid that goes to the rear end tire is brake fluid right? But my brake fluid reservoir is perfectly topped off. The top line is the main one covered in ___.

Thought any?

Any help I would really appreciate.















Thanks!

 

Does the fluid have a distinctive smell to it?

 

No, very neutral. Sounds weird but I went and sniffed some brake fluid and it doesn't smell like it. Smells sorta like wd-40

Thanks for quick response.

 

Yeah I'm just wondering if it's gear oil from a leaky axle seal or an exploded shock. Doesn't look like an axle seal because fluid doesn't seem to leak down the back of the axle tube backing plate by looking at your pictures. But then again I am making my diagnosis from a laptop.

 

All those cables you've taken pictures of are parking brake cables and contain no fluid. Can't really see the brake caliper, but you say the fluid is topped off.

 

Not sure if this has anything to do with the leak or not, but those Bilsteins are on upside down ....The 'bellows' goes down.

 

Yeah brake fluid is topped off.

"Gear oil from a leaky axle seal or an exploded shock." I am going to go pull the cover down around the shock and see if it appears to be leaking. Where every the fluid is coming from it is hitting the wheel and flinging it everywhere. I called my dad and thought axle seal too. How do you diagnosis it farther, if its not the shock? I hope its not the shock i just put the bilistein shocks on 10,000 miles ago.


THANKS a ton!!

 

Well a leaky axle seal will have a, well, axle fluid scent to it. Very distinctive scent. Mine would leak and have a trail leaking inside the rim down the tire. Each time I'd park there would be a new spot on the inside of the rim. Never slung fluid like yours though...

Lift that boot up and you'll see if the shock has blown.

 

My Bilistein shock exploded!!! Will see how good the warrenty is on them.

Sam1947 I did a lot of reading about the placement. Some people were putting them the over way, some this way. I went this route to keep the rod out of the grim, and less water contact. Thanks

Ryan

 

I cut the zip tie off the shock and fluid went every where.

Thanks for the help. What would cause it to exploded? I wasn't hauling anything, only had them on for about a year now / 10,000 miles.

It won't hurt to drive it a little right? I have an add-a-leaf which should take some pressure off the shock.

Thanks

 

Ah, you're welcome!

Well sam1947 said you have them installed upside down. I'd look into that and definitely call Bilstien about their warranty.

 

I know it looks weird to have the shock boot pointing down, but the give-away was that the 'Bilstein' logo sticker was upside down..when installed they must be positioned so that they can be read normally. I would just talk to Bilstein or where ever you got them....just don't say which way they were installed. It could just be a bad shock in manufacture, you shouldn't have a problem with warranty in my opinion.

 

I have my Bilsteins installed with the rubber cover on top, that is not upside down.....

 

Thanks for the information!

Ryan

 

Yeah I know a lot of people that do. But also know a lot that have them the other way.... They should state clearly in the directions.