Forum Discussion
Blacklane
Sep 10, 2017Explorer
I don't think it was corrosion that killed my old differential. The fluid that came out was not milky brown like you find when there is water in the oil. It was clear grey with lots of silver flakes. The differential had never been under water and the vent hose was just fine. At mid-life, the fluid was replaced with AMSOIL 75w90 and it was full of oil when disassembled.
My GM Service Manual has a close illustration of this wear and calls it "Fatigue Wear."
I assume there was one small flake that caused another flake, etc., and over several years, all of the bearings were damaged. The gears were just fine.
The truck lived a pretty normal life of mostly twice-daily half-hour commutes with a few weekends and vacations towing a trailer.
Since my new truck is also an Avalanche with virtually the same differential, I want to take better care of this one.
My GM Service Manual has a close illustration of this wear and calls it "Fatigue Wear."
I assume there was one small flake that caused another flake, etc., and over several years, all of the bearings were damaged. The gears were just fine.
The truck lived a pretty normal life of mostly twice-daily half-hour commutes with a few weekends and vacations towing a trailer.
Since my new truck is also an Avalanche with virtually the same differential, I want to take better care of this one.
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