Oil/Dirt Deposit Along Inside Real Wheel

If it is wet enough to get some fluid between your fingers, gear oil is just slippery and smells fishy. Brake fluid feels different, and smells different. Feel some from the master cylinder and smell it too. Then remove the 17mm hex fill plug from the trans and smell that. You'll figure it out'

This happened to me and was VERY wet in there. For the price of a German seal kit(not the CHINESE one!) and a wheel cylinder, I replaced it all on both sides and never looked back. Local imported auto parts store had the seals, and Autozone had the wheel cylinders in stock on a Sunday. Less than $30 for the whole deal and some time. Oh and you'll need a 36mm socket and a breaker bar(with a cheater pipe!) Not a big deal at all. 

 Earther case I'd get the parts from Rocket Auto They pay attencion to the quality  and offer the better grade parts  If you see more than one grade offered? best call and request the best they have.. dont wait on seal and brake issues..

I found that starter fluid works great for cleaning the messy brake gunk off before disassembly.  It is relativly cheap and no residue after.  Just vent the garage, put a pan under the working area, and "DON'T SMOKE" or have any other open flames around.

And just buy new brake shoes while you are in there. Way smarter than trying to clean up greasy, oily, brake-fluid filled ones!

I cleaned my parts up with a few cans of brake clean. Wear gloves(solvent-proof!) and a mask and do it outside, you don't want to breathe the fumes OR the dust.

Thanks all for the input.  The plan is to replace brake shoes, bearing seals, and wheel cylinders on both sides this weekend. 

I will probably also replace the rubber brake lines with braided steel lines (and will do this with the front lines as well), as I did this on an older 911 and really liked the firmer brake pedal they provide. 

Thanks, Grant

My bet is on the axle seal but it looks like the leak is very slight.

Grant, I've run braided steel lines and rubber OEM lines on my track Miata and couldn't tell the difference (firm pedal).

The key to great brakes is using the proper brake pads, proper brake fluid, and properly bleeding the brakes.

I've never boiled my brake fluid while driving on the road, but I have, several times, while on the track.

Personally, I prefer OEM rubber brake lines.

Are these rear bearings sealed? if not do we add grease ourselves the old fashion way or what? I have not dealt with my rear-end in a while and now I am seeing this oil build up on my rear left rim where the moon hub cap snaps on... that looks like it is coming from the seal? any ideas folks...

Speedster "D' looking to work on his rear-end!

Rear axel bearings are not sealed, they are open to allow oil to lube them...  All seals "weep" a very small amount of oil over time and the residue collects brake dust like a magnet....

The first thing I would do is check the oil level in the tranny....If its not down clean up the mess and go with it....  If its down over a pint, I would start checking the seals....

When seals / bearings are replaced, the oil in the axel tubes drains away....  After repairs are made and the tranny topped off, take a spirited drive with lots of left / right loading to slosh oil from the tranny into the swing arms, then top off the tranny again...

thanks Leon....