Messed up rear axle.

[i007spectre]

So the dealership tells me that the fluid was not low. But that they did find abnormal amounts of metal shavings in it. So they are taking it apart to see if they can find where they came from. Sad thing is I had to call them to find this out. I asked them to keep me up to date, oh well.

[maddoggyusa]

Taking it apart sounds like they'll likely repair it or replace it... and fill up with new fluid. if it's nice and quiet again, you might want to change the fluid again down the road for insurance.

[strych9]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

The gunk is not normal on an open differential, which is what you have on a V6 automatic.

The normal gunk in the limited slip differential, on V6 manuals and all V8s, is not metal shavings, but the friction modifier for the slip plates.

In an open differential, the oil will be clear, even after 100,000 miles. So, unless you have a limited slip, or unless some dummy put the friction modifier into your open differential, you may have some damage.

Have you discussed all this with the dealer?

So...tell me how the "friction modifier" is magnetic and clings to the plug again? Your statement is BS. All differentials, open or not, produce fine shavings. Please stop presenting misinformation.

Good luck with your repairs, OP.

[i007spectre]

I think he just meant it is thicker and darker. Not that it is magnetic.

Anyways I have to drive the loaner car on vacation now, since mine is still indisposed.

[i007spectre]

Update! Got the call that my car is fixed. More details later, but for now it was infact a pinion bearing issue.

[maddoggyusa]

cool. I know you have the v6, but if they replaced the ring/pinion... I wonder if you could have asked for a different gear ratio? 3.91 gears?

[Rock-It Man]

Originally Posted by strych9

So...tell me how the "friction modifier" is magnetic and clings to the plug again? Your statement is BS. All differentials, open or not, produce fine shavings. Please stop presenting misinformation.

Good luck with your repairs, OP.

An open dif will produce a trivial amount (even after 100,000 miles there's very little) of shavings, which will cling to the magnetic plug. But the oil itself will be clear.

However, the oil from a posi, with friction modifier added, will be gunky looking.

Peace.

[i007spectre]

Here is a picture of the service report. And shows what they found and did.

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

Originally Posted by i007spectre

Update! Got the call that my car is fixed. More details later, but for now it was infact a pinion bearing issue.

Thanks for your update!

Glad to hear your vehicle is ready for the road! Feel free to contact us if you experience any additional concerns.

Kindly,

William R.
Chevrolet Customer Care

[maddoggyusa]

new ring and pinion! good deal... looks like they came through and got it fixed.

[Rock-It Man]

Good news for you.

Not so good for Big O.

[i007spectre]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

Not so good for Big O.

Why they are the ones who told me about the unusual amount of metal shavings. And told me to get back to the dealership asap.

[i007spectre]

Still noticing a strange noise. But I am not driving on roads I usually do. Once my vacation is over ill have to see when I drive to work on roads I drive daily.

[i007spectre]

Long term update
Everything seems to be fine with my car now, glad it was all done under warranty as well.
As a side note I used to notice that when the cruise was set I would look at the RPM's and the needle would just slightly bounce around. That as well is gone, whether or not it was tied into the main issue I am not sure. But I bet it was.