Changed Rear Diff Fluid. Is this normal?

This is what I found stuck to the magnetic plug with around 55k miles. As far as I know, it was the original fluid.

 

That's never good.

Hopefully it was just casting flash, aka extra metal hanging on barely attached. Hard to say really without inspecting actual gear teeth in the dif.

 

Those are decent size chunks. I would be mildly concerned. Hopefully someone who knows more than me will come by and put your mind at ease.

 

As an ex mechanic I can say that its pretty normal to find a few shavings in the Diff fluid especially if its the first fluid change . I wouldn't be concerned and if you want to put your mind at ease drive it 5 thousand miles and drain it again and see if there is anything

 

I remember, about 2 years ago, another member posted a similar pic of their findings. Looked almost identical to your pic. There is a reason for the magnet and its done its job catching factory filings.

Situation Normal (unless your truck is acting strange).

 

Thanks to all! So far it's been acting normally from what I can tell. I remember reading that it's normal for the plug to collect filings from the factory, but I want sure if that looked excessive. I replaced the fluid with Amsoil severe gear 75W90 and will check it in 5k to see how it looks.

Speaking of which, shout out to @lewi3069 for the Amsoil hookup!! Great guy to deal with and highly recommended.

 

As said, that looks like left-over shavings from when the axle housing was drilled / machined. Not completely uncommon on a first change, a bit startling, but no big deal.

 

Glad I could help you out!

 

Hmmm, Doesn’t look normal to me. They don’t look like gear teeth though. Change the fluid and run it a bit. Drain again and check.

 

This is from my first fluid change at 29k in my 2021. I’ve had it since new. I’m assuming factory shavings. No issues or problems.