Diff collecting metal particles..

[Bluebird]

I have a Mag-Hytec diff-cover. It's been on 3200-miles. I check it weekly, it is continuing to collect metal particles on the dipstick. I filled with 85-140 Valvoline gear oil. I only added 8oz of LSD modifier. It is 1/4" above the top level line. The truck runs great, no rear axle noise. I'm I destroying my LSD as I drive? Do you think this may clear-up at some time?

Thanks in advance for any ideas you may have!

Patrick.

 

[Philip]

Do you think this may clear-up at some time?

With you showing around 180k miles. I dought if it stops. Your right around the age where the bearings start going bad in the center section.



Before the bearings get much worse is the time to replace them. At this point most likely you would not have to do a reset of the pinion. It would fall back into the correct wear path. If you let it get to the point where it is making noice. You might get a wear pattern set that would make noice after new bearings.



Most of the time LSD's don't make much metal. Bearings are the most likely places to look for that.

 

[tugboatphil]

Patrick,



I just had an axle seal go and it destroyed the left side wheel bearings. Had some damage on the end of the axle housing, so I had to take it to a machine shop to get repaired (used axle prices are much more than I thought!!). With 185k and since the axle had to be stripped down, I decided to have new bearings all around.



When it came time to reassemble, there was a jingling sound from the read end, while on the highway. After several disassembles and reassembles, here was the cause. The shim on the pinion when taken out was . 005. The jingling was the teeth not meshing quite far enough. It finally worked right with a . 045. Shop owner figured it was a size difference in the old and new bearing.



This being a small town and my wife's son working there, I only got charged labor for a standard axle rebuild. Otherwise I'd have a kidney up on EBay!



I have about 500 miles on it right now with no problems or noises. Going on my first road trip later this week. Hope it remains the same.