2009 Jeep JK Sahara, 150,000 miles.
Today, I noticed oil on the rim of my left-rear wheel.
About 30 months ago I replaced/upgraded the calipers, pads and rotors with PowerStop, which are great!

Upon closer inspection, the brake line hoses and connections are dry. But the brake dust shield is covered in brake fluid.

Brake operation is fine (except for the e-brake which is (and has been) useless.

Any suggestions where brake fluid could be coming from? I want to fix this before the problem gets worse and the brakes fail.

Thanks in advance, Steve

 

Are you certain it's brake fluid, e.g. you've checked the reservoir and noted it's low? Coming from inside of the assembly there, it could also be a rear axle seal failing.

 

I'm leaning rear axle seal as well. If you were losing that much brake fluid, you'd see dropping level in the reservoir and quickly start to notice deterioration in braking. I'd pull the wheel off, if parking brake assembly is messy, it's gear oil.

 

Yes, you are both correct!
The rear axel seal is leaking. I've ordered L&R rear axel seals and will replace the rear differential fluid in the process. (I'm currently running Royal Purple, and will use it again.)
Thanks again, Steve

 

Really, you shouldn't have to drain that gear oil unless you're just in need of a service interval change anyhow. If you want to be extra cautious just jack up one side so the axle leans the other way while you work on that side. I'd even go so far as to say I'd only change the one side that is leaking for the time being. Those rear seals aren't a super fun job. Order up some new bearings as well if you didn't already.