Drivers side front axle seal leaking,,, again, again, again.... Ideas???

[Hooper]

This should be pretty basic but it's got me scatching my head. I've replaced / had replaced this axle seal 3 times. It doesn't leak right away, usually I get about 5k miles, then it starts seeping again. I've used Ford brand seals the last 2 times and a NAPA seal the first. Mic' ed the axle shaft for wear, virtually no wear. Checked for run out, nothing appreciable. I'm missing something but not sure what. Please offer up some suggestions. Thanks

 

[DaveBen]

Are you installing the seal with the spring lip to the oil? If not you have just found your problem.

Dave

 

[JLDickmon]

you're not talking the slinger seal at the end of the tube, are you?

the actual seal in wayyyyyyyy down inside the tube, just outboard of the carrier bearings..