How much is too much metal shavings?

[afpj]

I've done a few searches, but mostly find just words not pictures. (What does too much shavings mean?)The only pictures I see are of magnets with 20000 miles on them. My 2002 had the front diff redone and the first picture is of the magnet after 200 miles. The second picture is after a thousand with the fluid. Is this considered normal break-in? I plan on checking in another 1000 miles because I'm ocd. No large chunks, but not fine mush either. Stuff you'd see from using a course rasp/file. Thanks for any information.
The diff was making noises especially with right turn growl, and the driver side bearing was shot. Axle stub really wobbly. The lock tab was just floating in the space, not really doing anything as if preload was gone. Growl is gone and stub shift tighter. Carrier bearing whine better but not gone. I have to hit 60 mph before I hear it, use to hear it at 45 mph.

 

[retiredsparky]

The pic's do make you wonder if the housing was thoroughly cleaned before reassembly. The shavings could be left over. I wonder if the gear lash is too tight.

 

[afpj]

Thank you for your input. I suppose if it looks the same in another 1000 miles, that's not a good sign. Otherwise the truck runs good for 172k miles...( knock on wood, rub rabbit's foot, throw salt over shoulder, rub Buddha belly...)

 

[pnwdan]

when I asked my dad who was a transmission and drive train guy for 30 years he told me you'll always have metal shavings in them. I think you should see the shavings become smaller if those were just leftovers.