How much metal filings is normal in an old differential?
I have a 99 Suburban (OBS) with a 3.43 G80, and swapped the gear oil a couple weeks ago. Oil looked very good, fairly clean, definitely not black. I have no idea how long it was in there, I bought the truck last year.
There were NO metal chunks. The ring gear looked fine to my eye, and I do have some idea what to look for on a gear (uneven wear, blunted edges, discoloration in odd places). Everything looked OK.
Anyhow, the magnet in the differential had more "silver goop" on it that I expected. Had probably a couple tablespoons worth of very fine metal filings on it.
I should have snapped a pic of it, but didn't worry since it was not chunks.