Sorry to hijack this post from the OP.

Axel was all the way out an inch or so, and needed to be lifted up to slide back in, but it slid in easy, boot stayed attached at diff and axel side so I never saw the connection or the inner axel which didn’t seem to move relative to the outer axel because presumably the inner axel remained firmly attached to the hub. I’m guessing the seal you’re talking about is inner to outer axel holding grease inside. Tried to find some diagrams but appears the c clip you’re talking about holds the seal and inner shaft to the outer shaft. Its all back together, so I would have to take it apart to check it, anything I should watch out for with it all together either by driving or inspection of the components?

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'03 4.4 M62
Original Owner 107k on the clock
Alpine White/Beige Leather

Others:
2013 M-B E350 S4 Touring
2016 M-B E350 S4 Touring
2004 Porsche 911 C4S Track Duty