Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice

Metallic shavings on a transmission magnetic

What are those metallic shavings on a transmission magnetic

First time DIYs are shocked when they drop the transmission pan and find metallic shavings on a transmission magnet. They think that it’s a sign of imminent transmission failure. It may be, but let’s get clear on the difference between metal shavings on a transmission magnetic versus normal wear and tear transmission dust. The car makers install a transmission magnetic in the transmission, drive axle and transfer cases to collect and hold small metallic wear particles to prevent them from circulating through bearings and gears. Since these major metallic components  wear, it’s perfectly normal to find wear particles on the drain plug. So the question is, how much is normal?

Fine metallic particles on a transmission magnet are normal

When new, all transmission shed a small amount of machining dust and that dust is picked up by the transmission magnet. The dust looks like black gun powder, only finer in texture. As you rack up the miles, you shouldn’t be surprised to find a larger accumulation of this metallic dust on the transmission magnet. However, neglecting transmission fluid changes can accelerate the wear.

Metallic shavings on a transmission magnet are not normal

Since DIYs confuse transmission dust or black powder with metallic shavings, let’s see exactly what’s normal and what’s not.

Metallic shavings on a transmission magnet

Metallic shavings on a transmission magnet. Normal versus not normal

 

particles on magnetic drain plug

Normal and abnormal metallic particles on magnetic drain plug

Where do those metallic shavings come from?

Simple, the metallic shavings come from the gears. Brass colored shavings come from the bushings. Black chunks are from the clutch discs.

metallic shaving on a transmission magnet

Chipped teeth on transmission gears

New transfer case, differential and automatic transmission fluid is usually light brown or red when new. As it wears,

©, 2017 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat

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