[ainarssems]

I replaced seal only on mine 2 years ago and i pushed it in too much before realizing it. As it's impossible to get it out without damaging and I did not wait for another seal I assembled it and though we'll see how it goes and replace again when it starts leaking. So far so good, now only the side seals where front driveshafts come out start leaking a bit.

If I need to replace it again it's no brainer - seal only for me. Original lasted 16 years and 130k with the old style flange so why would not replacement last just as long if done correctly and if there is no damage to the old flange. Seals do fail even on boxes that had new flange from factory. I will just be more careful not to push it in too much next time, maybe also try aftermarket Viton seal now that I got seal measurements from the first time.

But I do it myself and don't need to worry about paying for the labour again if it fails soon. For others it might give a bit more piece of mind if you replace flange as well to prevent it failin soon and paying for job again or to have less downtime while car is being repaired. But like I said seals do fail even on the boxes that had new flange from the factory so I am not sure how much or if any extra miles new design offer.