i have a leaking pass. side seal leak in my dana. could this be a sign of something else or can i just change the seal? no play in the axle, feels tight.

The seal is the first place to start.If your using Green Bearings clean everything good and use RTV silicone around the o-ring and bearing outer shell.

ok, i dont think it has green bearings in it. could it be the seal just took a sh!t or would something else cause the seal to leak?

Some times a bent axle or bad wheel bearing will cause a leak.You can chuck it in a lathe and check it while your replacing the seal. Also check your axle housing vent and make sure it's not plugged.

vent looks good, bearing looks good, but they tell me the bearing will be damaged while removing it to install new seal.
looks like i wont be going to the track til next week now.
the book says theres an inner and outer seal, but all i see is the outer.

The seal that needs replaced is in the axle tube if you have an oil leak.The outside is a grease seal and the gasket is a dirt and dust seal.

thanks for the info. now how do i get that seal out and a new one in there? should i replace the grease seal too?

I just did this on an 8 3/4 which is about the same as a dana, at least the parts are the same.
The inner seal, comes out great with a seal puller
much easier than using screwdrivers or a punch or chisel.
Just clean the housing well before You tap in the new seal. I see from Your other post, its not the "green" bearing type of install....
Also, slip some grease into the inner seal, and area, to help lube the axle when slipping it into place. Be very careful, to not slide the splines of the axle across the seal lip.
and even rest the full weight of the axle shaft onto the seal. Necessary? maybe not, but why take any chances?
It all goes together, just like the factory service manual describes.
There are also some very good detailed photo's of the whole assembly to look at.
Its how I found out that there was an outer seal on mine !
and your right, changing that seal...you need to remove the bearing assembly.
The good news is...after everythings been fixed and replaced and done....it should last for a LONG time and You don't have to worry or see any leaks!
sorry for the too long answer! just bored I guess.

I just had the same thing happening on both sides of my new Dana. Like Bob G said, slip out the axle, clean every thing really well at the bearing outer surface and O-ring area and RTV a liberal bead onto it. re-install and problem over.

well, today i will see if i can find a slide hammer to get the inner seal out. the correct seal is 34419 or national 51098, is this correct?