Recently, I've just had some maintenance done that was mostly wear and tear items for a 224K+ mile car. One of the things repaired was a leak coming from the left axle seal.

After replacing the seal and within a few days of traveling, the leak occurred again. Taking it back to the shop, they tried to examine the seal and really couldn't find anything wrong with it at first. They did notice that there was some excessive play in the axles. This was first initially said to be the diff. going bad.

They went ahead replaced the left CV axle and the seal again. The leaking *seemed* to have stopped and the amount of play in the axle reduced quite a bit. They went ahead and put the older CV back in with the new seal. Still didn't seem to leak after 38 test miles. All thought we were good to go...

Now, however, it is leaking again. After being under the lift this time myself. It appears to be leaking from the seal area and slinging fluid everywhere under there. Also, the play in the axles does look to be more than what should be.

The question is is it an axle issue or a differiential issue? Has anyone had a similar situation?

The tranny shifts smoothly for the most part, especially with 224K+ miles on it. I don't want to toss the tranny if that's not the issue. Can it be fixed with a new CV axle? Can just the diff. be replaced?

Thanks in advance.