Final answer:
Wheel cylinder or brake caliper leaks lead to brake lining contamination by allowing hydraulic fluid or gear oil to come into contact with the brake linings, thereby compromising brake function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is that a wheel cylinder or a brake caliper leak in a drum or disc brake system respectively can cause brake lining contamination. This occurs when the hydraulic fluid leaks through the wheel cylinder or brake caliper seals, contaminating the brake linings and potentially reducing the effectiveness of the brakes.
Additionally, a leak in an axle seal can cause gear oil to contaminate the brakes if it finds its way onto the brake linings. It's essential to address these issues promptly as they can undermine vehicle safety by impairing braking capabilities.
The correct answer is option axle seal. Axle seal failure can cause brake lining contamination.
An axle seal is a component located at the end of the drivetrain, just before the wheels. It is responsible for sealing the axle shaft and preventing any fluids from leaking out.
If the axle seal fails, it can allow lubricants such as differential oil or transmission fluid to leak out and contaminate the brake linings. This can lead to reduced braking performance and potentially cause the brakes to fail.