Differential Fluid - Milky and Chunky

[Mcgruff]

2016 CTD. No idea how previous owner used truck so I decided to follow “severe” maintenance and change diff fluid at 60k miles. Rear was dark and dirty (not too bad) as expected. Front was clean and clear (as expected). At least the fluid that drained out. The bottom had a bunch of oil that was thicker and milky looking. l had to scrape it out by hand. Included was chunks of thick amber rubbery solids. Large and small with The fluid feeling almost gritty from it. I cleaned it out and replaced as normal. Could this be from water getting in? No metal to speak of. Magnet had some fine, dark metal grit, but much less than rear diff (as expected).

 

[Johnny G Bagwell]

Milky oil is usually from water so maybe. I'd def check it in 500 to 1000 miles just to see how its doing

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[MADDOG]

Yeah water intrusion will turn the gear lube milky.

 

[crazy jerry]

the red pieces i believe is some kind of glue when they assemble everything. youll find that on all the aam axles. factory oil in the rear turns dark fairly quick and should be expected. front stays clear because nothing turns but spider gears. everything you mentioned seems normal

 

[Mcgruff]

Thanks all. I’m thinking I should check the vent/breather tube to make sure it’s where it’s supposed to be. I assume it should have one. Didn’t think about it at the time. Previous owner might have driven through some deep water.

 

[Johnny G Bagwell]

Thanks all. I’m thinking I should check the vent/breather tube to make sure it’s where it’s supposed to be. I assume it should have one. Didn’t think about it at the time. Previous owner might have driven through some deep water.

More than likely, I'd say 99 percent sure that's what happened. When I hit deep mud or water i always change fluid out just in case to be safe. If ya are pulling it off might as well throw on the banks diff lol

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[WY-Dave]

If you are going to be taking the cover on and off, get a lube locker. I had them on my Jeep and 3 or 5k miles I would do changes (water travel alot). They make it soooo easy, no scraping no hoping everything got sealed. I can't remember which ones we use

https://www.lubelocker.com/collections/differential-gaskets