Changed my rear diff fluid yesterday and found these fragments on the magnet. All are about the same size and shap. Kind of look like a corner of a gear. I didn't take the cover off, I just dropped the fluid out of the drain. I plan on looking inside later this week. I was just curious if that would be "break in". Those were the only large pieces, the rest was the usual metallic sludge. I do have the e-locker in the rear. Is that a cause for concern? I'm second owner, 46,xxx miles on it, and I assume I'm the first one to change the fluid. Thanks for any help.

 

never been in there,but it wont cost much to take a look. is the seal reusable??
if no noise you may be ok. if u had a spoon full,well!!

could be some random chips...hope!

 

Manual says seal is reusable if not broken. I assume there is a magnet on the inside also. Hopefully the bigger chunks are on that one. I'll probably tear it apart next weekend.

 

wOw! That looks exactly the same as what my friend mechanic found in my transfercase during the first T/C oil change that was attracted to the magnet. My mechanic got confused either.

 

The "metallic sludge" was assembly compound, there is probably more in the bottom around the drain hole, that is not bad.

Chunks are not good, but may not be from a problem.

You can always pull the cover and inspect the gears with bright light (and while you are at it, wipe out the bottom of the pig from the inside). Or drive it for a couple thousand miles and then pull the plug and see what you have and then pull the cover if more pieces show up.