I replaced the front driver axle seal while doing the ball joints this winter. Today I was doing my pre-trip inspection/greasing and found a lot of oil on the lower ball joint and wheel on the same side. Smells like diff fluid, and the diff was noticably low in oil. Really happy I caught it. I am assuming it's the axle seal (new part was a Brit part), but is there anything else I should check, or replace while I am in there?

 

Do you have stock or aftermarket axles? I had the same thing with an HD axle from Ashcroft my seals were fine, but the collar on the axle had moved a bit allowing oil to leak out. Still need to remove the axle to see for sure. If the collar moves with any force, or if its not centered then it could be your issue.

 

Mine are standard axles so nothing special. I'll give that a look. It won't be before our trip tomorrow, but oh well. It'll save me some money on gas 😅

 

I haven’t needed to do it yet, so I can’t tell you how to do it, but the axle shaft does need to be centred or it will always leak.

 

Its not hard to do, just the wheel bearing is a PITA.