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When you rebuild it, you will need to do both sides, a good possibility you will need to replace the brake pads too.
I don't know if there are other parts that need to be replaced at the same time but you should do at least what I have posted.
The Brake Pads ill get soft since the brake fluid will be on them, and the y will brakedown and may not hold the pressure.
There maybe complete rebuilt Brake Calipers, instead of rebuilding ?
Main thing is to get a rear brake job sooner than later.
Dang man! hopefully its not to bad, wait are mine disc brakes? i thought they were drum. I do have new brake calipers installed. Ill order two cylinders and new brake pads
When you rebuild it, you will need to do both sides, a good possibility you will need to replace the brake pads too.
I don't know if there are other parts that need to be replaced at the same time but you should do at least what I have posted.
The Brake Pads ill get soft since the brake fluid will be on them, and the y will brakedown and may not hold the pressure.
There maybe complete rebuilt Brake Calipers, instead of rebuilding ?
Main thing is to get a rear brake job sooner than later.
just did some googling, the 2010 and 2011 rangers received disc brakes for the rear. So what do you think this leak is ?? Disc brakes do not have brake cylinders
just did some googling, the 2010 and 2011 rangers received disc brakes for the rear. So what do you think this leak is ??
Disc brakes do not have brake cylinders
You can tell in your picture that you have Disc Brakes, I wish I had Disc Brakes in the FX4 rear.
Yes there is a wheel cylinder, it is built in to the Caliper, what do you think makes the Pads move in to stop the truck ?
The center round thing, with the brake line attached is the wheel cylinder. Not the same as the Drum Wheel Cylinder.
IF you had new pads installed and not the Calipers, the caliper cylinder had to be pushed back in the bore and sometimes the piston or the gasket are worn and bingo-bango... a leak.
Disc Brake Rear Axle... with a Leak !
You said you had new Discs or Calipers or both installed ? How long ago, if not too long ago, I might consider going back to where you got it done... warranty... maybe !
Now to what I think... you are right, it could be an axle seal, I took the easiest road because of the wetness on the Caliper, there is no wetness under the center of the axle where it would be leaking. There are some signs there but the trail doesn't go to the axle seal, more to the Caliper.
Take apart the rear wheel that had the makings on it, look at the axle seal, the problem is the Axle Seal and the Brake Caliper is at the same level and could cause the same markings BUT, you need to pull it apart and look at the axle seals and see if there is leakage coming from the axle area.
When you pull the wheel, see if you can find a fresh drip of the fluid, lightly put your finger on it and the smell it. Brake Fluid has a sweeter smell than Gear Lube and of course... where is it coming from can give you a good idea.
What I would do.
Take it apart to a point that exposes the axle seal area.
Clean up all the parts, use brake cleaner in the spray can, wipe it down and wait to see if anything leaks; the problem is nothing may leak without the truck moving.
Put a drain pan under the axle area when using Brake Cleaner... the cleaner and the residue from any brake fluid can tear up Asphalt.
Also, take a look at the pads no matter what is leaking, if it is brake fluid the pads need to be replaced, if it is gear lube, clean the pads well, let them dry and see how they look and if they are softer than the other side pads. If there is any damage to the pads REPLACE them.
Let me qualify myself, I am a backyard mechanic at best, take what I say is from experience only.
Remember BRAKES are a SAFETY Feature and need to operate properly.
If you are going to repair this yourself, talk to a mechanic and see how to determine an Axle Seal Failure and see if you can eliminate that problem from the mix; then all you need to do is either replace or rebuild the Caliper or once you think you have an idea of what is happening have it fixed by a competent mechanic.
As I said, the pads and brake fluid DON'T mix, if brake fluid gets on the pads they need to be replaced.
If you did the Caliper replacement yourself, and it is within the warranty period of the parts return them and get new... hopefully not from AutoZone or other China Parts Stores.
The Disc... while the disc it exposed, chek it out for deep groves or ridges... if they are excessive you will need to have them checked for thickness and turned if necessary.
Remember Brakes are very important and they can cause a problem for you and others if not working properly.
Sorry for getting wordy AGAIN but my mind takes off and my fingers follow.
You can tell in your picture that you have Disc Brakes, I wish I had Disc Brakes in the FX4 rear.
Yes there is a wheel cylinder, it is built in to the Caliper, what do you think makes the Pads move in to stop the truck ?
The center round thing, with the brake line attached is the wheel cylinder. Not the same as the Drum Wheel Cylinder.
IF you had new pads installed and not the Calipers, the caliper cylinder had to be pushed back in the bore and sometimes the piston or the gasket are worn and bingo-bango... a leak.
Disc Brake Rear Axle... with a Leak !
You said you had new Discs or Calipers or both installed ? How long ago, if not too long ago, I might consider going back to where you got it done... warranty... maybe !
Now to what I think... you are right, it could be an axle seal, I took the easiest road because of the wetness on the Caliper, there is no wetness under the center of the axle where it would be leaking. There are some signs there but the trail doesn't go to the axle seal, more to the Caliper.
Take apart the rear wheel that had the makings on it, look at the axle seal, the problem is the Axle Seal and the Brake Caliper is at the same level and could cause the same markings BUT, you need to pull it apart and look at the axle seals and see if there is leakage coming from the axle area.
When you pull the wheel, see if you can find a fresh drip of the fluid, lightly put your finger on it and the smell it. Brake Fluid has a sweeter smell than Gear Lube and of course... where is it coming from can give you a good idea.
What I would do.
Take it apart to a point that exposes the axle seal area.
Clean up all the parts, use brake cleaner in the spray can, wipe it down and wait to see if anything leaks; the problem is nothing may leak without the truck moving.
Put a drain pan under the axle area when using Brake Cleaner... the cleaner and the residue from any brake fluid can tear up Asphalt.
Also, take a look at the pads no matter what is leaking, if it is brake fluid the pads need to be replaced, if it is gear lube, clean the pads well, let them dry and see how they look and if they are softer than the other side pads. If there is any damage to the pads REPLACE them.
Let me qualify myself, I am a backyard mechanic at best, take what I say is from experience only.
Remember BRAKES are a SAFETY Feature and need to operate properly.
If you are going to repair this yourself, talk to a mechanic and see how to determine an Axle Seal Failure and see if you can eliminate that problem from the mix; then all you need to do is either replace or rebuild the Caliper or once you think you have an idea of what is happening have it fixed by a competent mechanic.
As I said, the pads and brake fluid DON'T mix, if brake fluid gets on the pads they need to be replaced.
If you did the Caliper replacement yourself, and it is within the warranty period of the parts return them and get new... hopefully not from AutoZone or other China Parts Stores.
The Disc... while the disc it exposed, chek it out for deep groves or ridges... if they are excessive you will need to have them checked for thickness and turned if necessary.
Remember Brakes are very important and they can cause a problem for you and others if not working properly.
Sorry for getting wordy AGAIN but my mind takes off and my fingers follow.
Ltr Dude and Good Luck.
Wow! i super appreciate the insight man, never feel like your being to wordy. I need all the help i can get!
So heres my next question, could it be from the abs and parking brake ( or lack thereof) The very dumb previous owner of my truck removed the parking brake and all the cables. Im set to replace it because the dealership that sold it to us did not know about it. But could this leak be from that? Ive been monitoring the levels of the fluids and they are all still maxed out. Also the brakes dont feel any less responsive or "mushy" like they would if the fluid was low or air was in the line. What makes me suspecious of the leaks and the parking brake is that, the factory wheels it came with had the same problem, the leak, but the front ones did not. Maybe im speculating but something is fishy.
Im actually trying to become a backyard mechanic myself! Any and all insight is appreciated. THanks so much!
Wow! i super appreciate the insight man, never feel like your being to wordy. I need all the help i can get!
So here's my next question, could it be from the abs and parking brake ( or lack thereof) The very dumb previous owner of my truck removed the parking brake and all the cables. Im set to replace it because the dealership that sold it to us did not know about it. But could this leak be from that? Ive been monitoring the levels of the fluids and they are all still maxed out. Also the brakes dont feel any less responsive or "mushy" like they would if the fluid was low or air was in the line. What makes me suspicious of the leaks and the parking brake is that, the factory wheels it came with had the same problem, the leak, but the front ones did not. Maybe i'm speculating but something is fishy.
Im actually trying to become a backyard mechanic myself! Any and all insight is appreciated. Thanks so much!
From what I know, the P-Brake is a mechanical device actuated by cables, not hydraulic; that said, my opinion is no fluid comes from it.
It could be the wheel bearing seal, as I said before, if you intend to do the job, you will need to do it right... eliminate what isn't causing the problem to determine what is.
Take the wheel off, clean things up, watch what is leaking, IMHO it is either the Wheel Cylinder/Caliper or the Axle Seal.
The easiest one to determine will be the brake caliper cylinder... you can actuate it with the wheel off, after cleaning things up, pump the brakes a couple of times and hold pressure, check for leaks, not sure if brake fluid will illuminate with a black light but that may be a way to check it out.
Look around the Brake Piston, you might need to remove the pads, once the pads are out you will see the piston in the middle of the brake cylinder. Around the outer edge of the piston is a seal you wont be able to see, look around the outer edge for leaking fluid.
You have one piston in your caliper, my old Stang had four, so there is only one place fluid can leak from.
Far fetched but check the fitting around the Caliper, never know, the Caliper connection is a Banjo Fitting and requires copper flat washers, maybe they have worn; from your picture it doesn't look like it but check it out anyway.
Sorry I can't be more specific, in no way am I a "RonD", but things look to me to be the hydraulic brakes, not the P-Brake, the Caliper Brake Cylinder, and there are two ways to approach it, clean and check it out or replace it.
Remember IF the brake cylinder is leaking the PADS will need to be replaced no matter how good they look.
Also, the thing about rear brakes is, if you repair one... you will need to repair the other in short order, so check out both, remember rear brakes when locked up can cause the rear of the truck to come around on you. Great for when you want the back end to slide but not when you are trying to stop. Don't ask how I know !
Good to replace the P-Brake System, reduces stress on the drive train when parked; we use to call the Parking Brake, the E-Brake or Emergency Brake, why I don't know. I used it to lock up the rear tires and spin the vehicle around both on hard top and on snow.
So where do we stand:
1) Are you doing the job or having it done.
2) Are the parts in for the P-Brake ready for install, good to do it all at once, reduce the work load. No matter who is doing the job, either Caliper or Seals, have all of the parts ready.
3) Have you cleaned the area and checked to see where the leak is... IF you can !
If it is an axle seal it will require a little more work, maybe there is a How-To.
Check out the How-To's on the Site for Disc Brake Mod or just replacement, some of these How-To's are great, a lot of info from "Back-Yard Mechanics" !
Something just popped in my head... you mentioned the Dealership that sold it to you... how long have you had this vehicle and why would a dealership sell a vehicle with something leaking from the rear wheels and no parking brake ?
Are you still in warranty, you might take the truck to the dealership and see what they will do for you !
OK last point, not a super difficult job but time consuming for sure, AND we are talking brakes, a VERY important safety system that appear to be defective and missing parts.
From what I know, the P-Brake is a mechanical device actuated by cables, not hydraulic; that said, my opinion is no fluid comes from it.
It could be the wheel bearing seal, as I said before, if you intend to do the job, you will need to do it right... eliminate what isn't causing the problem to determine what is.
Take the wheel off, clean things up, watch what is leaking, IMHO it is either the Wheel Cylinder/Caliper or the Axle Seal.
The easiest one to determine will be the brake caliper cylinder... you can actuate it with the wheel off, after cleaning things up, pump the brakes a couple of times and hold pressure, check for leaks, not sure if brake fluid will illuminate with a black light but that may be a way to check it out.
Look around the Brake Piston, you might need to remove the pads, once the pads are out you will see the piston in the middle of the brake cylinder. Around the outer edge of the piston is a seal you wont be able to see, look around the outer edge for leaking fluid.
You have one piston in your caliper, my old Stang had four, so there is only one place fluid can leak from.
Far fetched but check the fitting around the Caliper, never know, the Caliper connection is a Banjo Fitting and requires copper flat washers, maybe they have worn; from your picture it doesn't look like it but check it out anyway.
Sorry I can't be more specific, in no way am I a "RonD", but things look to me to be the hydraulic brakes, not the P-Brake, the Caliper Brake Cylinder, and there are two ways to approach it, clean and check it out or replace it.
Remember IF the brake cylinder is leaking the PADS will need to be replaced no matter how good they look.
Also, the thing about rear brakes is, if you repair one... you will need to repair the other in short order, so check out both, remember rear brakes when locked up can cause the rear of the truck to come around on you. Great for when you want the back end to slide but not when you are trying to stop. Don't ask how I know !
Good to replace the P-Brake System, reduces stress on the drive train when parked; we use to call the Parking Brake, the E-Brake or Emergency Brake, why I don't know. I used it to lock up the rear tires and spin the vehicle around both on hard top and on snow.
So where do we stand:
1) Are you doing the job or having it done.
2) Are the parts in for the P-Brake ready for install, good to do it all at once, reduce the work load. No matter who is doing the job, either Caliper or Seals, have all of the parts ready.
3) Have you cleaned the area and checked to see where the leak is... IF you can !
If it is an axle seal it will require a little more work, maybe there is a How-To.
Check out the How-To's on the Site for Disc Brake Mod or just replacement, some of these How-To's are great, a lot of info from "Back-Yard Mechanics" !
Something just popped in my head... you mentioned the Dealership that sold it to you... how long have you had this vehicle and why would a dealership sell a vehicle with something leaking from the rear wheels and no parking brake ?
Are you still in warranty, you might take the truck to the dealership and see what they will do for you !
OK last point, not a super difficult job but time consuming for sure, AND we are talking brakes, a VERY important safety system that appear to be defective and missing parts.
Ltr
Ok so i pulled the wheel off the other day and figured out that it was the axle seal. i only did the right rear tire because it has the most fluid loss. So i took the wheel off and the caliper was clean. Little to no wetness on it or the rear of it where the cable link to it. The underside of the rotor was wet after i pumped the brakes for five minutes. It did not smell sweet at all so im convinced its a axle seal. My truck has always slipped gears whenever it was cold and tonight since it got cold again it slipped. I asked my uncle and he said try adding Lucas Transmission fix. The transmission fluid was pretty full already, interesting because i thought it was leaking, so i added the Tranny fix. I dont know if that will help the seal at all, let me know what you think. Im debating if i should ask a mechanic to look at it, i could probably do it with my uncle but i dont want to screw something up haha.
Ok so i pulled the wheel off the other day and figured out that it was the axle seal. i only did the right rear tire because it has the most fluid loss. So i took the wheel off and the caliper was clean. Little to no wetness on it or the rear of it where the cable link to it. The underside of the rotor was wet after i pumped the brakes for five minutes. It did not smell sweet at all so im convinced its a axle seal. My truck has always slipped gears whenever it was cold and tonight since it got cold again it slipped. I asked my uncle and he said try adding Lucas Transmission fix. The transmission fluid was pretty full already, interesting because i thought it was leaking, so i added the Tranny fix. I dont know if that will help the seal at all, let me know what you think. Im debating if i should ask a mechanic to look at it, i could probably do it with my uncle but i dont want to screw something up haha.
1) You've determined the axle seal is leaking.
A) This is good, if you determine you want to fix the seal, you will have to remove the caliper, the disc, and the axle.
Then after you have the new seal, you will need to take the axle out of the housing and take it to someone that can press the axle bearing off, replace the seal and then press the bearing back on.
As long as you know a shop that will do the bearing removal and install, you should be able to handle this job, other than that it could be a good thing to have someone do the whole job.
2) The underside of the rotor is wet after pumping the brakes, it isn't sweet smelling so it is gear oil... so back to #1.
A) I am thinking the same thing, the brake pumping could just be effort lost and the axle seal may be leaking.
I'm thinking, take some brake cleaner and spray the area wipe it dry, wait to see if the gear lube leaks again.
If the axle seal leaks while sitting there then you know for sure.
3) Your Trans slips in the cold, so you added a liquid fix... because you thought is was leaking but you are hoping the Liquid Fix will fix the seals, I am assuming transmission seals.
A) I have never had to use a Liquid Trans Fix so I can't tell you for sure if this would help.
4) Should you take it to a Mechanic to get what fixed the axle seal or the transmission leak ?
A) If you are talking Trans... I would find a good Transmission Shop and get it fixed... after check ing the fluid again.
Over all, I'm thinking you may not want to take all the wheel parts off, it can get messy, not many parts but that is something you will need to address and you abilities.
Brakes, Safety, sometimes it is better to take a Brake problem to a good mechanic.
Clean things up, maybe don't take the brakes off until you are sure of what is going on and if you want and can do the work yourself.
Sorry for the directness, but don't get yourself in over your head.
Also, you mentioned adding the Parking Brakes to the rear axle... just thinking out loud, wait until you have the parts, it will save you time and money.
12-27-2021
