Iron filings on gear magnet plug

[Exp21]

Hi everyone. Few days ago I replaced the gearbox oil on my w245 cdi (manual transmission). After 10 years and 140k km it was totally black. When cold it was very bad. I found it was even low in level (400 ml under the level). I'd like to share with you the picture of the magnetic plug to ask you from your experience what do you think about it. Now it shifts way better, but when cold it still needs some miles to become good. I think I'll change it again within few miles, to do a sort of "flush". The black colour was worrying.
In addition to the filings you see vertically disposed along magnetic field, also the black "sand" underneath is all metal particles. In fact the magnet is only a thin little column, now all submerged by residues.

 

[Wighty]

I’m no expert but I’ve changed the diff oil on both my cars 3 times each . I think you are on the right path by changing again after a very short time . I’m sure it will look a lot better when you drain it next .
My diff oil has been jet black after 30k on each change , so I wouldn’t worry about the colour .

 

[Exp21]

Thank you In another forum I read that some with the same car did the change at my mileage and oil was still perfectly transparent like new. I don't know how it's possible. Anyway, I'd like to understand if there's too much iron filings. I'm worrying about gearbox conditions

 

[sonic]

I am not an expert but I don't think thats an excessive amount of filing after 140Kms.

 

[sonic]

I’m no expert but I’ve changed the diff oil on both my cars 3 times each . I think you are on the right path by changing again after a very short time . I’m sure it will look a lot better when you drain it next .
My diff oil has been jet black after 30k on each change , so I wouldn’t worry about the colour .

Is diff oil on the MB service schedule for changing?

 

[Wighty]

Is diff oil on the MB service schedule for changing?

No only some of the 6.3’s and 4x4’s .

 

[Wighty]

Thank you In another forum I read that some with the same car did the change at my mileage and oil was still perfectly transparent like new. I don't know how it's possible. Anyway, I'd like to understand if there's too much iron filings. I'm worrying about diff conditions

There is nothing you can do other than change the diff , you won’t be doing that if it’s all working so I wouldn’t worry . Just change the oil as you planned .
There is no way diff oil isn’t black after a decent mileage

 

[Exp21]

@sonic thank you, I don't think it's on schedule. But I was forced to do it because when cold shifting was almost impossible. The lever moved with difficulty and gears didn't go in at all

 

[robin.large]

I'm confused.(happens sometimes) in your original OP post you say you changed the differential oil....
But you repeatedly mention changing gear. So are you actually talking about the gearbox and changing gear oil?

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[Exp21]

You're right I'm using terms improperly. The car is a front wheel drive manual transmission

 

[robin.large]

So transmission oil. In which case I agree, the build up of iron 'swarf' is normal after this mileage.
It is also entirely normal that the oil will be contaminated after only a few thousand miles, anyone that says different is mistaken.
Running a second oil change after a short period of time / mileage is not a bad idea once in a while.
In general changing gearboxes or differentials is something you do when it's actually broken.


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[mattkh]

You're right I'm using terms improperly. The car is a front wheel drive manual transmission

How often do you use the car to tow, say a caravan ?

 

[umblecumbuz]

As advised, and as you've already decided, change again after a short while. Insurance.
How does the transmission sound? Presumably it does not sound loud or in any way abnormal otherwise you would already have mentioned it.
Nothing to worry about then - especially if the gearchange eases up with the fresh fluid. Just change it again after another 140k miles!

 

[Exp21]

Thank you guys for replies!

@mattkh: never towed anything
@umblecumbuz: it sounds right. The only aspects are first gear that goes in with a little difficulty if wheels are in motion, and 2nd gear that goes in a little "roughly" (sorry my english is what it is). But overall is still a good trans, thanks again!

P.S.: this forum is amazing

 

[mioba]

The swarf is fine. problems only of the oil smells burnt. Did you clean the pan very well. change it again next week. you will be good.

 

[Exp21]

I'll change it again as you say. The old oil fortunately didn't smell bad, good sign (from my little knowledge). Thank you

 

[Wighty]

I'll change it again as you say. The old oil fortunately didn't smell bad, good sign (from my little knowledge). Thank you

Your English is perfect . Let us know how you get on .

 

[Exp21]

Sure

 

[mattkh]

....... and 2nd gear that goes in a little "roughly"

What about the fifth gear..?

 

[Exp21]

Nice question. 5th gear goes in perfectly but it's the only making a very little "buzzing". Years ago when I had a w169 having the same whistle in 5th gear I asked the chief mechanic in MB about that and he told me is the bevel gear sound and that is normal. I don't know more about it honestly