damage to rear axle shaft

[silky]

A week ago I changed the rear brakes on my 03 Tahoe Z71. Afterwards I noticed an annoying burnt grease smell which I tracked down to the driver side rear wheel. I assumed it was the axle seal so I decided to change the seals/bearings on both sides. My guess was right...the driver side parking brake was covered in gear lube. When I pulled the axles I found some damage on the driver side. There is a thin and rough gouge in the bearing/seal area.

I am attaching a picture.



Do I need to replace the axle? Can I use a "repair bearing"? or is it nothing to worry about?

thanks

[Bigdav160]

I would be comfortable using an "axle saver" bearing on that. I recently pulled the axles on my '73 Z28 to find the axle bearing had ate .030 out of the axle. I replace it and the bearing/seal

[silky]

Thanks for the reply. I think it actually looks worse in the pic then in reality. It seems most of the mark is more of a stain than anything as it is smooth to the touch...only one spot is slightly rough. I think I may try a cheap axle saver bearing and just monitor it.