Pesky axle seal leak 7.5

[bd2988]

Hey all. I have a 7.5" rear end with a passenger axle seal leak. I've replaced the seal, with no luck. The bearings and the surface of the axle shaft looked ok to me (felt the surface, didn't feel scored). The axle shaft has been replaced before (doesn't look stock either). Perhaps they installed the wrong, longer driver side shaft. I was wondering, would it be possible to run a driver side shaft on the passenger side? Would this cause a leak?

I thought it could possibly be the breather was clogged. I blew into the vent hose, and it felt like air was going into the axle. When I pulled away, you could hear the air coming back out with the smell of gear oil. I'd assume that this means the vent isn't clogged.

What is your suggestion here?

 

[Yellowsplash]

The axleshafts are different lengths. You must use one from the correct side.

 

[bd2988]

The axleshafts are different lengths. You must use one from the correct side.

Yes, I know this. 30 1/8" driver-side and 27 1/4" passenger. What I am trying to figure out (without taking it apart and measuring it), is if it is possible that the previous owner installed a driver-side axle shaft on the passenger side (or simply a slightly longer axle shaft). If that is possible, then could that be the reason why it is leaking? Also, was my method of checking the breather ok?

 

[-Nathan-]

Could be. As far as the breather goes, you know you can just pull off the breather hose, and unscrew the fitting right? take it out and then you can really make sure its clean.

 

[bd2988]

Could be. As far as the breather goes, you know you can just pull off the breather hose, and unscrew the fitting right? take it out and then you can really make sure its clean.

Yeah, I'm just worried about breaking it, because it looks so damn rusty. Is it loctited from the factory? Hopefully it doesn't break.