How worried should I be? Rear diff

[BayouRaptor]

Just did a 20k mile service on my ‘24 raptor. Front differential fluid looked clean and no fines on the magnet. When I pulled the rear drain plug I found about an 1/8” piece of metal stuck to the magnet as well as some long thin pieces of metal about 2” long. I saved the pieces and I think I’m going to bring it to my dealer. Should I press the issue with them to dig into the diff to find the culprit or is some degree of trash to be expected? I could see fine particles being normal on a new diff but pieces of metal worry me.

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[Patriot1]

Hopefully your dealer will help you out. I would take it in and show them what you discovered and go from there. Yes, press them to find out where this metal piece came from. I would highly recommend you get a full inspection of the rear diff.

Post up what you learn.

 

[NM Mike]

The long splinter in your picture looks like a piece of the ring or pinion gear. It might be as simple as a rough edge from casting that wasn’t cleaned up. It could also be the edge of either from improperly set backlash. The differential fluid is awful black for 20K miles. I’d have the service department check gear mesh and backlash. I don’t see anything that says eminent failure, but it’s worth it to have the dealer check it out. I’d also do another fluid change in another 10K to see if you see any more of the same.

 

[b-smi91]

Just did a 20k mile service on my ‘24 raptor. Front differential fluid looked clean and no fines on the magnet. When I pulled the rear drain plug I found about an 1/8” piece of metal stuck to the magnet as well as some long thin pieces of metal about 2” long. I saved the pieces and I think I’m going to bring it to my dealer. Should I press the issue with them to dig into the diff to find the culprit or is some degree of trash to be expected? I could see fine particles being normal on a new diff but pieces of metal worry me.

Most differential issues have been with F-150s. I would take to the dealer and have them investigate. (Ford tech)

 

[Geo8866]

I am in know way an expert. But assuming that was the first time you changed your rear differential fluid, I wouldn't be concerned. The black is what you wiped off the magnet. I changed the rear diff fluid on my 25 Maverick after 1000 miles. It was just as black (See pic). I think NM Mike is accurate that the splinter is just a edge from casting.

 

[BrrRaptor]

Was it low in fluid before you drained it? Does it make any noise when driving?

 

[superj]

I think the splinter looks like a gear edge also. The weird round button thing is very odd. I cannot think of anything like that but a pin end or something

 

[BayouRaptor]

Was it low in fluid before you drained it? Does it make any noise when driving?

First thing I did before draining was make sure the level was good since I read about them being low from factory. Fluid level was fine. No weird noises or clunks. Bringing it in next Friday. Will report back what the dealer says

 

[BayouRaptor]

No updates yet. I took it to the dealer and was told I’d have to leave it with them for about a week. I asked about a loaner and they told me they have a 3-4 month wait. Going to call around to some other dealers to try and get this checked

 

[Crapblaster]

Wow, 3 to 4 month wait, looks like Ford needs to build a line of just cheap loaner cars.

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