Should I replace the front dif Axel Seal?

**MantisMan13** · 07-13-2018, 10:27 PM

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.