Evidence of bad ECGS?

I noticed this while scrambling underneath the truck today. Is this a tell tale sign of bad needle bearing, or a bad seal? Or both?

 

I wouldn't even look twice at that. Maybe, maybe a tiny seep from the seal but that's nothing to be concerned about.

 

That doesn’t look like a fresh leak.
Are you sure you cleaned the area good after the install?

It looks to be the seal IF it’s actually leaking?

 

Grab the axle and shake it. If you have a lot of play then the bushing is gone. What I am seeing is nothing but residual oil that has collected some dust. Clean it off and check it again in a month.

 

Neither, its fine. It's normal to see sweat like this. Drips are leaks. Stains are sweats.

 

Now you’re just looking for problems that don’t exist. Carry on.

 

More background based on comments. Truck has 35k miles, original seals, half shafts. Couple months ago I installed ome 2" medium lift. I didn't look at this until now. So I don't know if it just occurred, or if it happened 20k miles ago. I hear you all, thanks for commenting, I'll keep an eye on it next oil change to notice any difference, and that will be in 5k miles!!

 

Leaking dif seal. It was dripping intermittently for 6 months before I could pinpoint the leak. Made harder because everything is covered with FluidFilm.

 

Did you replace the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing before you did the lift or when you did the lift?

 

Making mountains out of mole hills. No fault found.

 

Yeah that one has a heavier flow.

I'm hoping mine doesn't start gushing. But if it does I do plan on doing the ecgs bearing update this summer.

 

I wish I knew better. Nope its still the original needle bearing.

 

ECGS is a company. I assume you are referring to the axle bushing

 

With the little amount of sweating that you have going on there I wouldn't mess with it unless it gets worse, or you start having the needle bearing vibe. Hope this helps.

 

Yes

 

Agreed with the above. I had a failed CV seal and my diff was dumping oil down the highway. This is a minor weep that’s barely losing any. I would wait until you do the needle bearing and replace the seal.

 

Probably a degraded seal. Mine was leaking worse with less than 17,000 miles on it. The needle bearing isn't responsible for keeping fluid in.

You don't have to replace it with an OEM seal. National P/N 710596 is only $4: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1927202&jsn=266

 

I highly recommend OEM for seals. Seen too many aftermarket failures.