Oil (?) on brake shoes

[spottedog]

1980 Datsun 720 4X4

 

Found nasty looking crap all over my brake shoes! (Pictures)

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9dd04b3127ccec6e743df24e800000040O00AZs2LJy1cOWIPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

 

 

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9dd04b3127ccec6e66fd6858b00000040O00AZs2LJy1cOWIPbz4M/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

 

I don't know if it is axle oil or brake fluid (I think it's oil) so I want to change the outer axle seal (?) and the wheel cylinder.

 

The question is do I just disconnect the brake line and parking brake cable and the backing plate then the axle and find the oil seal right there?

I am hoping I don't have to take the axle to a machinist to have something pressed off?

 

Thanks for your input as always.

[72240z]

I would clean them up very well and see for sure before going though the trouble. Odds are imho that its brake fluid and dirt over time. Could be axle, just saying at least check thoroughly 1st.

[Wharf Rat]

Looks like just old wheel clys may have just weeped a bit, if it's gear oil it would stink of it, gear oil has a nasty smell. Pull your fill plug on your rear end and take a wiff! (of the plug:))

[Wharf Rat]

After taking a second look, Ya just get a couple cans of brake clean and you should be good to go. If you don't have air to blow them off let it dry for a while before you put the drum back on.

[datzenmike]

They look fine, just old and dirty. Peel the lip up on each dust cover with your finger nail. If it's wet then there is some brake fluid loss and sometime in the near future, replace them. Doesn't look too serious yet. If they are dry give a good spray off with brake cleaner and keep an eye on.

 

I wouldn't use compressed air on them. It spreads the asbestos particles around. Rinse off with spray collect the drippings and dispose of.... let air dry.

[hang_510]

Odds are imho that its brake fluid and dirt over time.

X2. especially since its only on top on the cylinder.

 

always fix the easy/free stuff first!

 

 

how does the fluid in the MC look? might wanna change that too.

[ppeters914]

X2. especially since its only on top on the cylinder.

 

always fix the easy/free stuff first!

 

Also known as the K.I.S.S Principle (aka Keep It Simple, Stupid). :D

 

how does the fluid in the MC look? might wanna change that too.

 

Unless you know damn well this stuff has been done recently, there's no might wanna about it. Flush the brake system and change the differential oil.

[spottedog]

Thanks for your input gentlemen!

[ppeters914]

Thanks for your input gentlemen!

 

That's us...full of input. :D

[Braden]

looks like brake fluid to me, i had the same problem in an old chevy truck a few weeks ago, changed both wheel cylinders at the same time took like 1 hour and 12 dollars, easy fix

[ggzilla]

Dunno about the Datsun 720, but with Datsun B210 if it is gear oil on the brake shoes, just repack the wheel bearing and it will stop leaking. Rarely need to change the seal. There is an oil catcher and vent, so if a little seepage occurs it runs outside the brake area. Just repack about every two years and the thicker wheel bearing grease keeps the 90W from getting through. You can change the seal, but you still need to repack occasionally. Nissan maintainence schedule is bearing repack every 30 months or 30k miles.