Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Front axle leaking

[Gray 5.9]

Came home after work, and noticed oil inside my right front fender well. I have all ready changed the inner oil seal in the axle one time, besides that, the first time it started leaking, I checked to see if the vent tube on the axle was plugged up with dirt and wasn't. This time I was hoping it was the vent tube, and it seemed to be clear of any debree. Whats up with this. Could it be that the needle bearings that supports the half axle has worn out, and or the dimpled part of the stub half that floats inside the inner half axle has worn also, and causing premature wear on the seal. I installed the seal in the same spot as the original one ,and made sure by taking measurments that it was square in the bore. Has anyone here had to change out the bearing and or the axles, to fix this. This is starting to get on my nerves Thanks for any replys on this

 

[illflem]

Any brake work before the new leak started?

Just removing the four bolts that hold the unit bearing to the rotor and letting the axle hang without removing can start a leak.



It could also be the axle shaft where the seal rides has a groove worn into it from dirt mixed with oil from the first leak.

 

[Gray 5.9]

I haven't done any brake work or removed the hub bearing assembly in almost 2 years. I did notice the last time I had the two halves out , the the stub half that goes into the inner half had a quit a bit of play now to mention it. But where the seal rides on the stub I felt with my finger nail the last time, that it didn't show any grooving or wear.