Mystery Smell Solved

Keith K · 05-07-2013, 07:30 PM

A while back I posed the question if anyone knew what was causing a smell similar to propane each time I used the brakes with moderate pressure. There wasn't much in the way of replies, but in the interest of sharing knowledge, I'll pass on that it was a leaking hub seal. The hub oil leaks, saturates the brake pads, and creates a smell when hot similar to the smell of propane. In my case, the hub seal replacement and brake shoes replacement cost me $350 at the Freightliner shop, but there was no other damage.

Skip426 · 05-07-2013, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the up-date, and glad you got things fixed.

I'll keep your problem and repair in mind ; I hope

; till the question about smells comes up again.

JMonroe · 05-08-2013, 07:51 AM

Thanks for the update.

Did you notice any oil radiating out on the wheel before the repairs? I've had that a couple of times, once on one side of the steer axle and once on the tag. Both repairs were done under warranty and because of the oil trails I had the rig in for repairs before the level of oil even hit the fill mark.

dstinch · 05-08-2013, 08:51 AM

I think i suggested that in your first post. Mine went out and the brakes started to pull to one side. The smell was horrible.

Don

RickO · 05-08-2013, 08:55 AM

Thanks so much for the follow up! Glad you got it fixed.

Nice coach BTW.

Rick

RanCarr · 05-08-2013, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith K

A while back I posed the question if anyone knew what was causing a smell similar to propane....... In my case, the hub seal replacement and brake shoes replacement cost me $350 at the Freightliner shop, but there was no other damage.

I would never have thought of that. I never even heard of it but it's good to know. Thanks for the update.

Keith K · 05-09-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

Thanks for the update.

Did you notice any oil radiating out on the wheel before the repairs? I've had that a couple of times, once on one side of the steer axle and once on the tag. Both repairs were done under warranty and because of the oil trails I had the rig in for repairs before the level of oil even hit the fill mark.

I finally noticed that there were oil stains on the front mudflap, and when looking, found the oil radiating out from the hub. Apparently it was leaking just a small amount at a time for a while before it was noticable. I never noticed any difference while braking.

bbpeyton · 05-11-2013, 09:39 PM

Same problem here! Fixed leak, new brake shoes, smell gone! Never knew that was the cause of the smell! Thanks for that post! Mystery solved!!!!!!!