Found some really tiny springs stuck to fill plug?
Any ideas?? Fluid level was full. 141,000 miles.. AAM 11.5
Thanks

 

Any pictures? When was the last change done?

 

I have pictures but cant attach with phone. Just changed front and rear differential yesterday. The only metal and springs were on the fill plug. Nothing on bottom of housing. About 6000 miles ago dealer replaced pinion seal. This is a 2003 which i ordered in November 2002. I have changed fluid 2-3 times in 141,000 miles.

 

Sounds like a piece of the pinion seal spring that keeps tension on the seal lip. Nice to have magnetic plugs huh?

 

Can that seal spring break when replaced? Maybe some pieces fell in there. I think it can only leak in 3 places driveshaft and inner wheels.
Probably fell in there when dealer replaced. I hope brake cleaner wont wreck the differential cover gasket. Wiped it off for a good seal.

 

Probably when they used seal puller or punch to get it out. I bet it fell down through the pinion bearing oil return orifice.

 

I'm glad you said they replaced the seal. I am betting that is exactly where it came from. The dealer monkey probably didn't have the correct tool and used a screw driver to punch a hole and in turn knocked the spring into the diff and didn't even notice.

And no the brake cleaner will not harm the gasket. You're good to go