The driver's side axle can be real stubborn coming out and going in. I've gotten to the point where I just pull the tranny with the axle in it. Most shops don't know what they are doing when it comes to dealing with this axle. I recently had to use a shop in a pinch and when I got the car back the end of the axle was all screwed up from beating on it with a hammer.
Good luck getting yours fixed up. If I were you, I'd replace the seal once you get the axle out to make sure your leak is fixed and avoid the possibility of having to pull it a second time to fix the leak. There is no knowing what that seal has been through at the hands of your friend's friend.
Good luck getting yours fixed up. If I were you, I'd replace the seal once you get the axle out to make sure your leak is fixed and avoid the possibility of having to pull it a second time to fix the leak. There is no knowing what that seal has been through at the hands of your friend's friend.