I have a 2000 Chevy Express 3500 cargo van with single rear wheels. It is used for business. It has about 212k miles on it. It carries a fairly heavy load 100% of the time.
One of the rear axle seals is leaking all over the brake shoes and obviously needs to be replaced. My question is: do the races and bearings usually need to be replaced at this point as well? I wonder whether slop in the bearings may have led to the failure of the seal. There doesn't seem to be any perceptible play between the axle and bearings though. It spins smoothly and I don't hear any unpleasant sounds emanating from the bearings.
So I guess what I am asking is: are the bearings usually replaced at this juncture or would replacing the seal be sufficient?
Thanks

 

the bearings and shaft should definitely be inspected while its apart and at that mileage if they haven't been done I would probably say to do the bearings and seals.

 

I would get a new differential cover with the fill hole while you're at it. it's easier then getting that plug out. kinda like this...

NAPA AUTO PARTS