Hello, I'm new here and hopefully some of you experts can help me. I have read several threads about "silver" or "gray" colored rear differential oil in the drain pan at the first rear diff oil change, usually at relative low hours of use. Some say it is metal contaminate. I've read it described "like silver paint". I first read this in the Can Am ATV Forum, and my google search discovered similar stories in Polaris RZR forum, motorcycle forums, Jeep forums and even pickup forums. The internet search refered me to this site. Not everyone has this observation. Most folks assume the rear differential is doomed to failure.
I spent more than half of my career in hydraulics. I've analyzed contaminated oil, both particulate and moisture. I've worked with red ATF, mostly clear Mobil DTE products, various colors of grease, but I have never heard of a "silver" colored gear oil.
Some wonder it it could be a mixture of white lithium grease used in the assembly process in the gear oil. Others wonder if it might be anti-sieze used in the assembly process. I wonder if it is an additive used to assist in break in or keeping the gear mesh a bit quieter.
Anyone have any ideas?
dbj216
I spent more than half of my career in hydraulics. I've analyzed contaminated oil, both particulate and moisture. I've worked with red ATF, mostly clear Mobil DTE products, various colors of grease, but I have never heard of a "silver" colored gear oil.
Some wonder it it could be a mixture of white lithium grease used in the assembly process in the gear oil. Others wonder if it might be anti-sieze used in the assembly process. I wonder if it is an additive used to assist in break in or keeping the gear mesh a bit quieter.
Anyone have any ideas?
dbj216