I did both my axle shaft u-joints about a week ago, and noticed some gear oil dripping on my tires. I figured let it sit for a while and let what dripped into the tubes leak out and go from there. Passenger side stopped, but the driver side is still leaking a little. Anyways, i thought maybe the vent tube got clogged up, and was venting through the seal? i was just looking at it, and noticed the tube itself at the pumpkin had popped off...could this possibly be why i am still leaking? I REALLY do not want to tear into that axle.

 

You probably damaged the seal inside you will have to remove the carrier and axles to get to it, its a easy fix tho just alot of hassle to get to it.

 

won't i need a case spreader to get the carrier out? or is there another trick to it

 

No just pull the axles out the two caps and it should fall out if it has stock gears. If it has lower gears or a locker you may need one don't know I yet to ever had to use one and I've tore down alot of axles but mostly stock