not sure what bearing you are describing; in the oil pan ? that won't usually hold on to the axle but I think it is just press fit into the oil pan, so if it got just a little rust on the inside of the axle shaft could easily pull that out if I'm remembering correctly there's no snap ring. You mentioned leaking seal so maybe not enough oil to keep that shaft wet so rust could form?

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2011 E70 • N55 (me)
2012 E70 • N63 (wife)