Yes, mine too. When my axle bearing on the right side failed, it also comprimised the seal. The leak was not bad but enough that it needed replacement. Can that leak by itself be a sign of a failing axle bearing, I don't know but should cause alarm. However, a badly warn or improperly installed seal would also cause leaking. Thats not something you want on your brake shoe's or brake drum.

What originally alerted me to the problem was the unusual humming sound coming out of the rearend. Then a couple of days later, thats when all hell broke loose. It sounded like gears smashing into gears, and the racket was terrible. I was affraid to drive vehicle. It vibrated entire car. When other drivers heard it, they avoided me. It was funny but embarrasing at the same time.

When I told my towing service that the sound kept jumping from side to side, thats when I was alerted that it was an axle bearing and not the rearend. Boy I'm glad thats all it was. The only axle for my big Ford car was mounted in a 1969 Galaxie 500. He wanted $150.00 for that piece of junk. Next day I went back to get it and it was gone.

Thats why based on my learning experience, I'm warning people to check axle bearings before suspecting rearend 3rd member. It's easier to fix and a lot cheaper. Also, I had recent brake work performed on car before bearing failure, and accused shop of damaging my vehicle. I did later apologize when I learned the truth.

 

James, well I jacked up my truck today and took off the wheels but could not get the drums off. well I turned the axle and it turned smooth with no grinding or anything. then I put them back on and got under the truck and saw what looks like a leak on the out put of the tranny. No play in the u-joints at all. Well how much do you think what i found will cost me?