AWD Debris on Front Differential Magnetic Plug

[shreksbrother]

Hello,

Yesterday I changed my '03 Yukon's AWD front differential fluid. The magnetic plug made me a bit nervous. I bought the truck with 150,000 and no service history. It now has 160,000... I would say it is possible it has never been changed, but who knows.

Anyhow, on to the plug. I took before/after pictures as well as a photo of what was stuck to it smeared out... There were no big pieces or anything, and it almost looked like anti-seize compound when I smeared it on paper.

Should I be concerned? It seems to be driving fine.

 

[ivin74]

Looks like your bearings maybe going out. Do you hear any whining while driving?

 

[shreksbrother]

Looks like your bearings maybe going out. Do you hear any whining while driving?

Thanks for the reply... I think I hear a droning under light acceleration at 40-50mph, but I may just be being paranoid. Wheel hubs are brand new (entire front end is brand new, in fact).

So normal would be zero accumulation on that magnetic plug? Or just not that much?

Thanks, Adam.

 

[6speedblazer]

carrier bearings are going out. i just had to rebuild mine at 130k

 

[shreksbrother]

carrier bearings are going out. i just had to rebuild mine at 130k

Did you rebuild it yourself? I was poking around for a how-to, but couldn't find it.

 

[FFMedic]

Your carrier bearings are toast. Mine went out at 50k. I wouldn't suggest doing it yourself, unless you have the knowledge and tools to do so. Make they use a high quality gear oil (i.e. redline, royal purple).

 

[6speedblazer]

Thanks for the reply... I think I hear a droning under light acceleration at 40-50mph, but I may just be being paranoid. Wheel hubs are brand new (entire front end is brand new, in fact).

So normal would be zero accumulation on that magnetic plug? Or just not that much?

Thanks, Adam.

I did do the rebuild myself. They are fairly easy, then again i have built a lot of diffs. Get the special tool to adjust the side bearings, will make your life a LOT easier.

 

[retiredsparky]

That magnetic plug looks like the gear lube has not been changed in a long time.

 

[shreksbrother]

Your carrier bearings are toast. Mine went out at 50k. I wouldn't suggest doing it yourself, unless you have the knowledge and tools to do so. Make they use a high quality gear oil (i.e. redline, royal purple).

Yeah, I don't pay for anything that I can do myself... Even if it is a learning experience... I have pulled motors, changed clutches, and everything in between, all based on Internet research and Haynes manuals (especially before the Internet days!). To be honest, I am more likely to install a 2WD transmission and driveshaft rather than fool with rebuilding the thing unless it's super easy to do.

That magnetic plug looks like the gear lube has not been changed in a long time.

I agree. I refilled it with Royal Purple and plan to run it five thousand miles or so (being sure to listen out carefully for noises) and check the drain plug again. I put 1,000 on it this weekend and it performed perfectly.

A how-to for the process (and perhaps a parts list) would make life a lot easier.

 

[ezstriper]

the bearing adjuster breaks the tabs off and backs off killing the carrier bearings, they are under the seal