Rear differential fluid change

I changed my rear differential fluid today the fluid contained some very small spring fragments about 1/2 the size of a ink pen spring. Any idea where these springs are from?

 

I'm curious too, just changed my rear diff and had a circular piece of metal about 1/4" in diameter on the magnet. Shaped like a shallow cone [picture for reference ]:
http://www.namshop.com/images/nonlahat.jpg
Other than that pretty clean for 76K on original oil (don't judge me)
Any Ideas?

 

Do you have a TRD Sport? When you changed the rear diff fluid, did you a see a sticker for "LSD oil only"? If you have a mechanical LSD, that's where the spring is from. There might be a problem...

 

Yes it is a TRD Sport with a limited slip differential. I bought this truck used and it has around 120,000 miles. Not sure if the rear diff fluid was every changed. So you think it might be from LSD?

 

Does your LSD work lol?

 

I'm not sure. We just had it out for a ride but did not check the LSD but it ran fine with no unusual noises.

 

I just changed mine yesterday and I to had that cone piece of metal on the magnet of mine as well.

 

Would the clutch plates on the LSD be pretensioned with such small springs? These pieces of springs are the diameter of pencil lead? I am not that familiar with differentials.

 

To be quite honest, I'm , since I have never had an LSD (or diff for that matter) apart before. But that spring had to come from somewhere, so the LSD makes the most since.

 

You can check your mechanical LSD by lifting the rear axle off the ground and turning the tire. If the limited-slip works, both tires will turn the same direction. If it's broken, the other tire will turn the opposite direction, just like an open differential.

 

OP, I can't answer your question. But send a PM to BamaToy1997, he should be able to answer your question. Also, if it did indeed come from your LSD, and you need a new one, I highly recommend a Detroit Truetrac. It's gear driven vs clutch, so it doesn't wear out, no special lube is needed, and you can also get it to lock up with some ebrake should you ever lift a tire. I have one and love it

 

And we have a winner!!! Nice reply. Wish I could help here but I have no clue.

 

Lol thanks. I forgot to mention BamaToy1997 is a mechanic. He's helped me with some technical questions before

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMUr9i53Y9Q quick vid on how to

 

Spring particles the same size as a pen ?

I am going with a garter spring from your rear axle seals .
Garter springs are used inside the metal clad seal to hold the seal against the moving part .
With this said , were axle seals recently replaced and the spring chunks you found were from a previous repair " OR " your axle seals are worn out and this is an early warning sign that you will be replacing them shortly

 

gearcruncher,
I think you may be onto something here. We bought this truck used within the last 6 months and don't know if the axle seals were replaced. The rear diff fluid was quite dirty when we changed the fluid and a umber of small spring pieces were attached to the plug. The slip diff does work when tested.

I will do some more research on Garter Springs and seal replacement. How critical is the seal replacement. Would this affect the differential or just the seal and fluid leaking? any cost estimate for replacement of the seals? I appreciate your comment.