Our left rear axle on our 2000 4x4 GV has been leaking gear lube slowly for some time.  Finally decided this should stop and took it apart - pics attached.  Anyway, I thought I'd replace the axle seal, but that goes into the axle quite a bit; obviously something quite outside of that is what's actually leaking.  Looks like I'd need some permatex (1) between the end of the axle and the baseplate for the brake hardware and (2) around the back of the four-bolt 'seal' that goes around the back of the baseplate.  It looks like this four-bolt plate should allow 'extra' gear oil to be flung off the axle/bearing and drain back into the axle housing to the center diff.  I can't find anything on this in my manual. Can someone verify this is correct or if I need to seal something else?  Does the axle seal really need to be replaced?  TIA ~

GH aka Dan

Hope this helps:

Thanks, no talk of sealant at all.  There was oil everywhere in the drum, I'm putting new shoes on because of it.  Sorta surprised the drum brakes worked well at all (e.g., parking brakes).  That said, I'm hoping that shiny surface on the inside of the tire goes away for good!

Yes, there is a sealant required between the brake backing plate, bearing retainer and axle tube end.

It's all in here...  

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/1g-1999-2005-vitara-grand-vitara/19396-has-ne1-here-pulled-rear-axle.html

Max (AKA Novadon)

Great write up Max 

I used RTV (blue) as a sealant. It has been several years now and no problems.

I actually think that my leak originated from the sealant / flange area from the get-go, as the inner axle seals looked fine, as did the axle / seal contact area. I replaced the seals anyways.

Studly, Max, and thanks for all your posting work!