I had my shop "pro" put in new 4.56 gears front and back and replce the diff cover with a Mag-Hytec. I just got back from the snow so i was under my chassis cleaning out the salt and just for shiggles i checked the oil level in the diff. The dipstick in the cover is really helpful. Come to find out there is barely any oil on the dipstick and it is pitch black and covered in shavings. Needless to say i was pissed that the oil level was very low. I had to add almost 1.25 Qts to get it within range. I called my shop and he said that "oil lost is due to oil moving into the axle and out to the bearings" He also used 85W-140, but i added 75W-90 per GM spec.

I drove around a little bit and re-checked my level after I topped off, and it was still black. I decided to just change it out. When i pulled the drain plug there were 3 pretty good size metal chunks on the magnet and it was covered it this gelatinous crap. I let it drain for a while, then put in 75W-140, drove around re-checked and topped off. It took 3 Qts. total.

So, I was a quart low for about 500 miles of easy/moderate driving. Metal chunks on the drain plugs, and pitch black oil. Do you think serious damage has been done? Or did i find it in time. Come Monday i plan on laying into my "pro" about his mistake

 

I haven't seen a diff with a dip stick yet is it in the front?

How big were the metal chunks? I don't think running it low on oil for 500 miles would screw anything up. But ther shouldn't be any chunks in there. You might get some fine metal from break in on the magnet.

 

The diff cover is on the rear axle and the dipstick is located on the top of the diff cover. The dipstick hole also acts as a fill hole. There is actually two holes on the top, one for the dipstick and the other for an optional temp sensor. I think the dipstick min and max marks line up with the original fill hole on the housing.

The metal chunks were about 3mm long and 1 mm wide. I know the shavings are normal, especially under the break in period. But chunks??? That shouldn't happen. Oh, and the dipstick is also magnetized to pick up shavings.

 

You should pull the cover off and see how it looks in there.

 

I've done gears in a couple 06 and haven't seen one with a dip stick.. Thats cool though. The shouldn't be and chunks that big. I would definatley have them pull the cover.

 

He said he replaced the cover. Maybe that one has the dipstick.

 

Yeah, the Mag-Hytec has a dipstick and drain plug.

When I talk to him on Monday i'm going to ask him to pull the cover and check it out. I'd pull the cover and check it myself, but he warranties all his work so i'll have him do it. For the price i paid this shouldn't be an issue.

 

i would get it check out.