Metal particles in gear housing oil

[kwoolard]

I drained the oil in my 1999 Alpha I Gen II drive yesterday and noticed when I took the drain screw out of the bottom there were very small metal particles on the magnet. As the oil was draining I would frequenlty let it run through my fingers and noticed for the first minute or so of draining there were a few tiny metal particles in the oil. You couldn't feel them when you rubbed the oil in your fingers but could see them if you let some light shine on the oil. As it kept draing the particles dissappeared, I was just wondering if this is normal to have this small amount or is this something I should check into?

Thanks

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Metal particles in gear housing oil

It is normal, to an extent.....
If someone is slow shifting, the gears will grind....
That's what the magnetic plug is for....
If the gear oil had a metallic sheen throughout, I wopuld be concerned....​

 

[kwoolard]

Re: Metal particles in gear housing oil

The gear lube was normal in color, a faded Quicksilver Green. I also noticed that my u-joints and the u-joints housing had a rust film over them. I didn't see any water in my bellows, just a little oil in that had settled in the bottom of the bellows. The oil looked like it may have had a little water in it, but not much. Why would they be rusty? The gimbal bearing looked great and felt great, no rough spots. I am going to get the drive pressure tested while I have it off, but was just concerned about the u-joints being rusty.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Metal particles in gear housing oil

My guess would be condensation.....
The space between the gimbal bearing & the input shaft is not air tight....​