Metal Shavings on Diff Cover Magnet - How Much is Too Much?

[GenViper]

So, I'm replacing the rear axle bearings on my 2002 WS6 TransAm w/ 86,000mi, and now that I have the differential cover off, I couldn't help but notice the big clump of metal shavings on the magnet that is on there. While it's nice to have a big blob of Ferrofluid to play with, I'm a little concerned at the amount that was on there. I've never done this before, so I have no concept of what is normal for a car of this age.

I was apparently running with the diff half empty for some unknown length of time (it was topped off last week), so I was concerned about problems before even opening it up. From doing some reading, it would seem that alot of metals shavings are usually attributed to a pinion bearing wearing out - is this likely the case? And if so, how can I tell whether this is my problem? I've attached a pic showing the size of the blob around the magnet - after scooping alot into a test tube, it's about 10cc of metal-oil goo.

So, on a scale of 1 to boned, how boned am I? :/ Thanks for the help!

[nascarnate326]

looks almost identical to mine last fall.


i would say you are fine.

[nascarnate326]

looks almost identical to mine last fall.


i would say you are fine.

[nascarnate326]

looks almost identical to mine last fall.


i would say you are fine.

i mean, metal on metal contact or 86,000 miles.

[GenViper]

Thanks! I feel better now

[sman]

Yea, after someone reasuring me 3 times I would too! Haha.

Ive seen worse, but ive deffinetly seen better. You said you were doing bearings? Were the old ones bad? Alot of that could be from the bad bearings. I would assume your OK as long as it worked fine before you tore into it.

[Emulsifide]

I wish I had a photo of mine when it was apart. I had maybe half that amount in mine with 103k miles, but like Spencer said, your axle bearings definitely contributed to the goop.

I'll be the 4th to say don't worry about it. Just start saving now for your 9 inch replacement.

[WMCCjames]

Normal

[GenViper]

Thanks for the help everyone! Replace the wheel bearings and seals on both sides, and the driver side axle. Still making a noise though...made a new post to go into that, though!