Metal Chunks on Diff Fill Plug

[dieselpowered]

Hi,



After seeing threads about new trucks with low Diff fluid levels, I went and checked mine.



The level was good, but the fill plug magnet had some small chunks and or shavings. I also check the front which was about a pint low but the magnet just had a little fuzz which I would call normal.



The rear seems a little excessive to me. I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow. I don't want the dealer to blow be off and say its normal break in metal.



Truck does have L/S and only has 3900mi and never towed anything.



Opinions appreciated.



Henry

 

[DPKetchum]

NORMAL. You'll find that in all rears. Less after miles. I have owned vehicles that I've found LOTS more then that with no issues.

 

[DieselFiend]

I just changed mine after 17K and my magnets weren't near that chunky. Mine looked more creamy than chunky like that. I don't know for sure but I'm thinking thats not normal wear. I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in. Thats just my take.

 

[Spooled-up]

Are there actual CHUNKS of metal there? Mine looked like it had about that much material, but it was made up of "powdered" metal.

 

[dieselpowered]

Thanks for the replies,



It does have some little metal shavings, very small chunks. I wouldn't be so worried if it were all metal paste, fuzz,dust ect. .



I noticed a little bronze or copper colored particles floating near the drain plug opening.



I was wondering if the torsen type L/S could cause this.



I don't like going to the dealer, but thought I should get it documented.



Thanks

Henry

 

[DPKetchum]

Its normal and I've seen hundereds on many makes and models. You'd never find were that stuff came from.

 

[Cattletrkr]

My magnet would look like that after 5K. I musta cleaned it off 6-8 times, at least. I've got almost 98K of heavy towing and it's still going strong. I guess I'd have to consider it normal.

 

[Nate]

That doesn't look like anything to be alarmed about. New gears will make some metal as they are breaking in.

 

[TowPro]

Do you remember as a kit sticking a magnet under a piece of paper and putting metal shavings on top of the paper? Remember how the metal formed a pattern.



That's what your seeing on your drain plug. It might look big, but wipe it with a cloth and you will see its really small shavings and dust that form a pattern and look bigger then they really are. What I see in your pictures is normal

 

[klenger]

I wonder if some of the shavings are from the axle castings and not gear wear. I'm pretty sure that the gear fluid travels the length of the axle tubes and could take thousands of miles (years) for the metal shavings to migrate to the magnet.

 

[DieselFiend]

I'm an aircraft mechanic and we are a little more strict on parts for obvious reasons but in our world, that would be cause for concern. I'd get it documented by the dealer and have them give you something in writing telling you if its good or bad. That way if your diff takes a crap later you'll have the CYAP.

 

[dieselpowered]

Update,



Dealer reports Pinion bearing Damaged.



They are going to replace pinion and carrier bearings, but not ring and pinion.



At least it will be documented.



Henry