The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Axle seal or other?

New wheels coming so I've been cleaning up the drums etc and have now finished with the front set.

When I removed the left rear wheel I found some oil. I've been searching some in the forum but decided to ask based on the photos I took. Might be something I don't want to do on the driveway. Is this typical for an axle seal or is it something else?

Appreciate any direction or clues.

Edit-----> I don't own a paper manual just yet. I did find this page which is where I feel I need to look or is it going to be deeper than this?

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm0412.html

If gear oil then you need an axle seal.
If brake fluid then rebuild/replace wheel cylinder.
Or both.

That looks like gear lube. You need to pull the hub & replace the seal. The brake shoes will need to be replaced too as they have grease on them. The wheel cyl. will need o-haul or replaced also. There is no way to clean the linings up. They will always grab & lock up. That is not a job for a novice working in the driveway unless you have good mechanical skills.
George

Is there up and down movement when you lift up the axle flange? If there is, a seal will not fix the leak for very long. Excess play is due to worn outer axle bearing.

That’s an 8 lug truck, full floating hubs and adjustable rear wheel bearings, still if loose the seal might not do the job.

Thanks for the replies gentlemen yes it's gear lube or oil, that I can tell. I just replaced 2 calipers, one wheel cylinder and flushed the brake fluid reservoir/lines on my 94 Chevy truck and am intimately familiar with regular brake fluid and twisting off rusted bleeder valves

I'm looking into information regarding replacing the bearings and seals. Not sure I want to tackle it on the drive with the weather changes now coming for our area so I might try to find someone to possibly help with the project.

Again, appreciate the responses and diagnosis.

Dan