What would cause this? (Tcase fluid looks like liquid metal)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 124
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From: Denver, CO
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I replaced my T case fluid with new ATF about 1K miles ago when I installed a new SYE tail shaft. (I sheered the splines off the last one at the yoke) I rebuilt both driveshaft's at the same time. I have had no issues since, no noises, no driveline vibes. The chain is in good condition. I went to check the fluid level this evening and found it to be silver... I drained it and it all looked like this. Full of metal, not a hint of red or brown tint. All the bearings are tight, everything moves freely, no binding, and everything seems ok. Should I refill it with new fluid and not worry about it? If not where would there be a problem?
Thanks in advance for the ideas.
Thanks in advance for the ideas.
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Is the sludge ferrous? Stick a magnet in it, ser if any comes out. If it's aluminum maybe you got lucky and your chain was dragging.
Something's ****ed.
Something's ****ed.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 124
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From: Denver, CO
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I filled it with Dex/Merc. I drive it hard, its supercharged, its not a daily driver and I put well over 200 miles of the 1000 on it in 4 low. Stuck a magnet in it this am and its metal not aluminum. Its so fine it looks like dust. You cannot feel any of the particles, just see them glimmer in the light. I guess I'll pull the case apart and see if I can tell if anything looks unusually worn.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Well I rebuilt it (new bearings and seals) and so far so good. I've flushed and refilled it several times to get out some of the remaining metal even though I cleaned the parts when it was disassembled. After the 1st flush the fluid is staying clean. I've never seen bad bearings cause that much metal in the fluid.
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