rear end metal shavings

[Micah]

when pulling off the cover on my differential, I noticed the magnet had metal shavings on it. Is this normal wear after 15 years or do I have somewhat of a problem on my hands? They were very fine particals. When it was on my hand it literally looked like silver paint. Normal wear and tear or posi unit going bad?

 

[U1ARUNIT]

Some metal is normal. If the magnet was so covered that it looked like it was growing a sibling then I might be a little concerned, but otherwise you're ok.

 

[CraigT]

That stuff is normal. I also think that magnet is in there to get the big shavings from machining the bearing caps. When replacing my axles, I pulled out a loose wad of "steel wool" about the size of a tennis ball out of one of the axle tubes.

 

[The Radius Kid]

I'd be checking your gears for sharp teeth or burrs on the tops.If that's not it,I'd seriously consider getting the pinion/carrier bearings checked.That metal is there for a reason and I don't think G/M left it there after machining.We just did the carrier/pinion bearings on mine when I had the C-Clip eliminator kit put in.Funny the things you find when you here growling noises and procede to pull things apart.