SIDE SEAL LEAK (front differential) AFTER REMOVING CV AXLE (front/right)?

[LIOTB]

Thank you all ahead of time for your help!

THE PROBLEM: (pictures attached)
Removed the front, passenger side cv axle (to replace) which came out wet and some fluid came out of the hole. (waiting to replace the driver side until after I get an answer here)

THE QUESTION: Is it normal for fluid to be leaking like that after removing the shaft (and the shaft wet)? If not what do I need to do to fix it? What are the implications on damage? Do I need to be concerned about the diff/transmission?

THE WHAT:
2001 BMW X5
Chassis: E53
Transmission: a5f390r

Again, thank you!
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[AceEngineer]

That is normal when you remove the axle. The fluid level in the diff is above the lowest point of the axle seal so some runs out. Make sure to refill the diff to make up for any lost fluid when the axle is replaced.

AceEngineer

[LIOTB]

Thank you, AceEngineer.

That takes off some anxiety. In other vehicles, when I did this, if it was leaking it was a big problem.

As a follow up:
1. Should I just replace the fluid instead of topping off?
2. Have you had problems popping the circlip? I have tried (bent a few pry bars of different types) getting the driver's side to pop off. That axle will not come out for the life of me and have spent a couple of days trying different ways.

Thank you for your time.

[White94RX]

Popping the axles out can be difficult. BMW makes a special tool for it. But since you don't have it, prybars are about the only other way. It's a real pain sometimes.

[LIOTB]

Thank you, White94RX!

at least I know it's not abnormal and that I am not going crazy. Well actually I am, these "simple" repairs have gone on too long. Tomorrow I will try something new that I think will work.

Thanks again for all of your help everyone!