97 malibu noise at axle seal

97 Malibu 3.1 auto 165k
noise where the axle meets the trans seal passenger front
- sounds like a wheel bearing at speed, but the noise originates where the axle meets the seal
- replaced both front hubs 8000 miles ago, car did sit the winter
- when turning the hub by hand, it sounds like a rubber on rubber rub
- noise not in the inner cv joint
- can pinpoint noise to the housing/seal area
- small amount of leakage at that seal
- axle cv joints are whole and not worn
- tranny feels firm and tights
- noise does not change with braking
- i cleaned out the seal area with brake cleaner and sprayed with wd40....also tried pb blaster - no change


Would a dried out seal make this kind of noise...anyone seen this before? it might work itself out as i begin to drive it again....i'm stumped and not an expert.

thanks

Todd