Pulled my rear diff plug to check the fluid and add friction modifier tonight. When I removed the plug I was surprised (and a bit frightened) to see a silver glob of material on the magnet end of the plug. It felt a bit like partly-cured RTV, and looked about like silver/grey anti-sieze. The fluid, however, looks like new. My only guess is the PO, when he changed the fluid last and re-built the rear end (within the least year), must not have cleaned up the plug?

Also, front diff fluid looks about like Lucas oil treatment. (Amber colored, but just a tiny bit milky.) Prolly time for a change?

Andy

 

Yes it would be a good idea to change the fluid, but the metal shavings on the fill plug is normal.

 

Thanks.

Just to clarify:

Lots of deposit on rear diff plug with new-looking (year-old) fluid.
No deposits (at all) on front diff plug with slightly milky-looking fluid.

Both levels are good.

Andy

 

Clean it, & make a mental note to check it again after a few thousand miles. If the filings continue to appear, you have a problem. Check & clean the ABS sensor on top of your diff, too.