Axle Leak? Is this normal?

Hey all. Recently put a clamshell bushing in, in this case was a Yukon one. Got a new axle seal for good measure, put it in for the first time, and it leaked because I hit it too far in. I pulled the driver’s CV axle out , wrapped some electrical tape around around a panel tool, and pulled the sucker out. Inspected it for damage, there was none, so I put it back in and drove it in pretty much flush, maybe 0.5mm-1mm past the lip there. After a long drive today, I crawl under and see the slightest, I mean the slightest little bead of something on the edge of the carrier near where the CV joins it. I mean I had the diff open today to double check the fluid, and there was a steady steady drip so I knew I was full. Part of me suspected that maybe the fluid expanded, and there was too much in there so it vented it out? I also want to mention that when I put the driver’s CV axle back in, there was fluid running out over the lip because the diff was full. I’m wondering if there was some excess fluid in there on the outside of the seal that’s just making it’s way out. This was a week ago when I replaced it so I don’t know. Not hard to replace, but I’m pretty pissed off. Set the seal almost flush like it was supposed to be and there is just a little drip. Shit is annoying. I don’t really want to have to pull part of the axle back out. Even though it’s easy, it’s just an inconvenience to deal with if I don’t have to. If I have to buy another $19 axle seal from the dealer I will, but this shit is kinda pissing me off.

Im almost mad I got talked into buying a new axle seal, I almost feel like I regret it now. Some things should just be left alone until they’re broken, I could’ve just left the old one in. Ughhh

 

I don’t even recall it smelling strongly of 75-90, unless it doesn’t really smell that much when it warms up…

 

It's not critical if its flush or 1mm inset, I've installed many with less caution.

One thing I do is silaglyde on the shaft before I put it into the new seal. Put it in super slow and even, then force the shaft in.

 

Gotcha, thanks for the info. Doesn’t sound like a bad idea except I don’t have silaglyde. Do you think it’s leaking in this case, or should I just keep an eye on it for the time being? Part of me just wants to replace it to not have to worry about it, but I honestly don’t know why it would be…

 

Possibly over thinking, wash it off and relax for a bit. Oil can seep and sling, it takes a bit.

 

Did that. drove a couple hours, maybe 50 + something miles today, crawled under the truck and it was dry. I guess maybe it isn’t leaking after all. Maybe there was some residue when I put the seal in, because the diff was full and was pouring over the lip when I put the axle in. So probably should be good right? I I figured after driving all that, if it would leak it would show. I don’t know how something like that could be intermittent…

 

It wouldn't be.

 

Yeah I wouldn’t think. Seems like it would either be leaking or not leaking. I’ll keep an eye on it tho, and hope for the best