metal in rear diff

[azwiz]

did my first oil change on rear diff, found normal "fuzz" on magnet, also a couple of pieces about the size of a piece of rice. checked it a few days later and a couple more pieces of metal on mag, oil a little gray, any ideas? looks like could be bearing or thrust washer problem ?





2006 3500 dually w/only 23000 miles, of course a few months off warranty !



anyone know of a GOOD shop in so AZ [Sierra Vista, Tucson area

]that knows what they are doing with diff's



thanks any info is appreciated Steve





whats the best extended service plan ? local dealer will only accept "Easy Care vehicle service contract"

 

[Wingate]

How did you go about changing the oil?. . The dealerships use a suction tube and never pull the cover and wash out the crap left sitting in the bottom of the housing. When I replaced the factory cover, there was alot of fuzz and contaminates inside the housing, so after pulling the cover I jacked up one side then the other to make sure I had the axle tubes drained. Then I washed out the center section. After reinstalling the cover, I filled it with oil and jacked up one side then the other to make sure I had oil on the axle bearings before I drove off.

Is it possible that the contaminates you are seeing is just left overs??? You are running synthetic gear lube???

 

[ScottLewis]

When I did my first diff service the oil looked nasty so I flushed and cleaned the case with brake cleaner and dried it out before reass'y. Next service the oil looked new so I guess just the break in dirtied the oil.

Don't know if that helps at all.



Dan

 

[azwiz]

I pulled the cover and flushed it out. it still should not have had any big pieces imho even on the first change. running Mobil 1

 

[Wingate]

I think I've read on here where several people have found larger sized slivers of metal in the early miles of operation. Seems like when I pulled the rear cover on mine, there were some larger slivers of metal. I would think if it had a center section or pinion bearing failing, you should be hearing some whining/grinding. If it were an axle bearing failing, by now you should have diff. fluid leaking on the inside of your rear wheels. If you remember from the p/m, did the wear pattern on the ring gear look normal? You might do a search on past threads and see what info. is in there. I know the subject has been discussed several times. Just some ideas...