I'm in the process of swapping out the driver half shaft and control arm on my 04 330xi. I have the axle out and the seal looks ok from inspection and was not leaking prior. The boot split so I figured I put in a new GNK half shaft and rebuild/reboot the current when I have time. I last did this just 2 years ago and I seem to have bad luck with getting my boots chopped. I think the Dinan drop allows the boots to get guillotine on pot holes. Anyhow, it's only been 2 years since the axel was last popped out. So I'm wondering if I can get away with not messing with that seal. Last time I did it I messed up setting it level and had to order another one. I only bought one this time too and I rather just skip it if there is a good chance the installed one will work with the new shaft. I don't know if after a good bit of driving, will heat deform it enough where a new shaft should absolutely get a new seal every time? Or is it just a matter of remaining supple and not being dried out? The current seal looks good. No tears and I can clean it up to be about as clean as anything I'd install. So curious, is this something anyone has done without ending up leaking.
Replace it. Dont want to have to remove everything twice.
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