Large piece of metal on rear diff drain plug magnet

I posted this in the thread for the rear diff fluid change, but maybe it’ll get more eyes in its own thread.

Did my first rear diff fluid change at 65K. Bought the truck with 32K on it, doubt it had ever been done by the prior owner.

Found this chunk on the drain plug magnet. Nothing else of note just the typical sludge. Any reason to be concerned? Certainly doesn’t look like it’s from a gear. Hard to see in the pics but it’s got a concave shape like a little dimple, with a little tiny sort of flap at the tip.

Could this be leftover from the manufacturing process for the case itself or some component therein? My truck runs great.

But, this little guy has been in a baggie on my desk every since, nagging at me.

 

Looks like a piece from when a hole was drilled, the very last chip and it got missed upon clean out when it was made. Looks undamaged so probably no harm done from it.

 

Nope, it’s fine. No need to worry much.
You aren’t the only one to find chips like that.

See here - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/heavy-metal-differential-oil-change.458669/

 

I wouldn't worry about it. Usually if the diff is failing you'll have a thousand little shiny pieces, not one big piece

 

I found a pretty similar piece in mine when I changed the fluid at 100,000

 

I've seen this pop up a few times on TW, all pretty much identical stories as yours. It's thought to be part of the manufacturing process from drilling a hole, as mentioned already. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Thanks everybody, especially @TnShooter for the link. Those little cones look pretty similar. Worries gone!

 

For the next many years, when you are driving on rough roads, all alone, middle of nowhere, thinking of that piece of metal, sweating; just remember: the guys and gals on TW said probably nothing to worry about!

Maybe hanging it from the rearview mirror will take away the bad juju.

 

When I’m all alone in the middle of nowhere.
The only thing I’m worried about is somebody showing up to aggravate the piss out of me.

 

I plan to bury the shaving deep in the woods with an appropriate pagan ceremony, which will remove all bad juju.

 

Looks like a contact lens from one of the manufacturing robots eyes...it might want it back...

 

Maybe that explains some misaligned beds out there?

 

I would say that's not a "large" piece, you'll be fine. Change the fluid and keep on keepin on.

 

fairly common. i found one on my first change, so have all my friends with Tacomas as well.

 

How'd it work? I just found the shaving and don't know what to do.

 

It’s like the heart your kids used to put in the Teddy bears they made at the map”.

 

The ritual has resulted in no issues with the rear diff.

If you found a similar chunk of metal, it’s from the manufacturing / machining process.

 

Should I cast it in resin and make a pendant?

Should I respectfully place it in the back of a drawer in my toolbox?

I don't want a cursed rear end. Taking the gremlin silencer out during a simple rear end lube job was far from my intent.

 

Post a pic of the offending piece of metal.

 

For me: I worry about a huge Maine bull Moose trotting out of the woods directly into my path: day or night. But especially just after dusk.


Rear diffs: not so much. Failures are usually preceded by an early warning of a faint whine, then louder whine and maybe a growl, and finally a drive-you-of-the-vehicle combination of all three of the above....in that order.