What to do with this damaged rear axle?

[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

 

[tar1]

Silky,

I had the same issue when I was changing my rear brakes. Their was gear oil all over the backing plate and parking brake pads. When I removed the axle shafts I found the same gouges. I installed a new axle shaft. Was not going to take any chances of that bad axle eating away a new set of bearing.
I would say relplace that axle shaft. I picked up a new one on Amazon for $100, with new studs and lug nuts.

Tom