QuestionQUESTION: Howard,
You have helped me get to a point where my XJ6 is now a pleasure to drive, but I have noticed a couple of times, generally after an expressway stint, a grease smell from the rear wheel area. Hard to tell exactly, I have the Dunlop wires, so it emanates through the wires. Is there a grease fitting where I can add too the hub bearings, or does this sound like anything else you have ever encountered? I have no other symptoms, no noise, no vibrations, etc; but I do not want to be doing damage, either.
Thanks!
Michael
ANSWER: Hi Michael,
You should not smell grease unless it is getting hot. After driving on the highway stop and feel both hubs to be sure they are not getting hot. You can usually hear a bad bearing but don't count on that. Also you should jack up each wheel and feel for bearing free play. The limit is .005" so when it is right you may not be able to feel any movement. Usually if it is too tight you will hear it and the hub will get hot. You should look closely for oil or grease on an exhaust pipe.
If it needs work don't attempt it without a manual as the adjustment is done with shims and is not a simple job.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Ok,
First, I can say that brakes and suspension are usually my areas of expertise relative to all else, so I expect to hear a "roar" from a bad bearing, and I have taken several visuals, and there is no evidence of leakage. due to previous issues addressed, we can tell this vehicle has sat for some extended periods of time as evidenced by the varnished fuel drained from the tanks and even the title/mileage history. (125,900 when purchased in July) I will check for free play, but you didn't mention if there is a grease fitting, or if I have to break down the hub to add grease...
Thanks again,
Michael
AnswerThere is a plug in the alloy hub but that is to gain access to the grease fitting on the outer "U" joint. The wheel bearings are packed and no grease fitting. There is a drain hole in the bottom but I am sure it is to allow any water that might get in to drain out but I never tried to get grease in there. Don't know how you could do that.
I had to put bearings in a couple of my own Jags and I considered putting in grease fittings as it is a lot of work to take it apart just to pack the bearings.
Howard
