Thread: second cv axle seal..

Well I put another seal in on the driver side cv axle, and still have a leak at closer inspection I noticed it is coming from the rubber seal that wraps around the axle ,checked the first seal for the spring and it was still there ,checked the second seal also it was still there .After closer inspection of the axle I noticed a small very fine groove around the axle shaft were the seal makes contact, I then replaced the axle ,no more leak . It is truly amazing how the smallest little bit of wear on the axle could cause a leak...So when you go to replace a seal take a good look at the axle itself it will save a bunch of time...

Sure am, They are metal on the outside with rubber on the inside...I can not believe the smallest imperfection on the contact surface of the axle can cause a leak like it did....

That is correct, the smallest imperfection, even one you cannot see, can cause a perfectly good, or brand new seal to leak, that is why the seal surface is just as important as a bearing surface when it comes to longevity.
When I had to change the shaft seals on my car at 130,000, I installed new axles also, eventhough the factory units were still tight at the cv joints, but I did not trust the seal surface. I HATE DOIN THINGS TWICE!!

I agree quicksilver, I am a very anal retentive person when it comes to working on my cars. I actually should have looked at the axle shaft myself ,but I had a good friend assisting me (he is a 25 year master tech). I think he should have checked the axle closer,but overall it was my fault for not checking myself..And besides the G.P is my wifes car ,it is her baby.....