Tired of leaky/seeping axle seals! Is this going to keep happening?

[KATfishing]

2008 Yukon Denali, 143K. Axle seals professionally replaced with OEM parts around 100K. Then again under warranty within about another 15K because they start leaking again. Now, at 143K one side has a leak. I've attached a picture. I've only found a drop or two on the pavement every now and then over the past month, and haven't taken the vehicle in for service again just because I don't want to spend another $500-600 right now. I'm thinking I'll have the diff oil level checked at my lube place and topped off if needed to buy some time. Wondering how common leaky axle seals are and how people out here typically handle them. Do you not worry so much about and keep an eye on the levels or do you make it a top priority to be leak free and deal with it right away? Just tired of this recurring problem.

 

[randeez]

Are you only changing the seals? The bearing is possibly shot and only a matter of time before they ruin the seal.

Also I would check the level, iirc it's not to be filled till it comes out on the awd, a few mm before the fill hole- @swathdiver may have the spec.
And make sure the overflow tube and vent is clear, if what fluid is in there cant expand it will push out the seals.
I've had the overflow on mine piss out fluid after about 500mile round trip at way above the speed limit

 

[swathdiver]

Are you only changing the seals? The bearing is possibly shot and only a matter of time before they ruin the seal.

Also I would check the level, iirc it's not to be filled till it comes out on the awd, a few mm before the fill hole- @swathdiver may have the spec.
And make sure the overflow tube and vent is clear, if what fluid is in there cant expand it will push out the seals.
I've had the overflow on mine piss out fluid after about 500mile round trip at way above the speed limit

1.51 Quarts.

 

[KATfishing]

Are you only changing the seals? The bearing is possibly shot and only a matter of time before they ruin the seal.

Also I would check the level, iirc it's not to be filled till it comes out on the awd, a few mm before the fill hole- @swathdiver may have the spec.
And make sure the overflow tube and vent is clear, if what fluid is in there cant expand it will push out the seals.
I've had the overflow on mine piss out fluid after about 500mile round trip at way above the speed limit

Thanks for these thoughts! Which bearing are you referring to (sorry, I know just enough to be dangerous, but I want to keep learning)?

I didn't mention that the front differential was replaced after the first replacement seals failed because they found some metal grit in the oil after replacing seals on both sides only to have them leak again and on that diff they checked the vent tubes. That diff was condemned under a second market warranty I purchased when buying the vehicle at 84K. It's now about 1.5 years later with a different front differential. I had fluids changed about 6 months ago. Maybe vents could be clogged from detergents in new diff oil loosening crud up? Sorry if this doesn't make sense... I am a novice. If the vents are clogged, is it possible upon clearing them that the current seal that's leaking could end up being ok, or once they leak are they ruined?

 

[Lancem]

Agree with randeez, bearings going south will ruin the seals.

 

[KATfishing]

Agree with randeez, bearings going south will ruin the seals.

Are you referring to wheel bearings? How are the seals ruined... is it from metal debris getting in the oil? And if so, what other implications could happen? (i.e. another failed diff?) Feel free to talk me off the ledge! lol

 

[randeez]

I just replaced a seal on my axle they are pretty robust to have them fail within 5 months there is likely another issue .
There is a bearing directly behind the seal on the axle housing. You can try and see if theres any "slop" on that flange in any direction.

You can keep replacing diffs but after 75-100k miles the same bearings going to wear no matter what. They are probably just throwing in another used diff

 

[KATfishing]

You can keep replacing diffs but after 75-100k miles the same bearings going to wear no matter what. They are probably just throwing in another used diff

Is the bearing a pretty simple change with keeping same diff on? I will have my local shop do whatever is needed, just trying to understand the scope of what it might cost if that ends up being the case. Thanks!

 

[randeez]

The housing back to the center section needs to be removed, the passenger stub axle is held in with a retaining ring at the other end.
You don't need to remove the diff to do it, just remove the two mounting bolts on that side and it will articulate down enough

I swapped the entire housing out in about an hour, to "rebuild" shouldn't take more than an hour the bearing is less than 15 bux, the seals are like 40 iirc for ac delco

 

[KATfishing]

The housing back to the center section needs to be removed, the passenger stub axle is held in with a retaining ring at the other end.
You don't need to remove the diff to do it, just remove the two mounting bolts on that side and it will articulate down enough

I swapped the entire housing out in about an hour, to "rebuild" shouldn't take more than an hour the bearing is less than 15 bux, the seals are like 40 iirc for ac delco

Thanks so much!