Differential metal dust and magnets

[Conradconrad]

I hope everyone is safe and healthy!

In theory ...

If I was going to change differential oil, could I put a strong magnet over the differential oil bolt to “magnetize & catch” a decent amount of shavings on the bolt, and drive around like that for maybe a month or so(100miles) before I change the oil?

If yes, then in theory, what type or strength magnet would I need for it work properly

The diff cover has been there untouched for over 14 years and I don’t want to remove it if I don’t have it.

Thanks everyone!

[cgtech]

"I dont want to change my oil, but I want to pretend I changed my oil"

Sure, you can do that, but dont try to consider that "proper maintenance" in lieu of actually doing proper maintenance.

I put a blob of silicone & a little neodymium magnet inside diff covers often.

[Sideways]

Can you drop the entire cover?
That's what I did as my cover had some dents in it from orig owner that I was able to straighten out.
I also was able to clean the small shavings that were in the bottom of the cover.

[meimk]

Originally Posted by cgtech

"I dont want to change my oil, but I want to pretend I changed my oil"

Sure, you can do that, but dont try to consider that "proper maintenance" in lieu of actually doing proper maintenance.

I put a blob of silicone & a little neodymium magnet inside diff covers often.

I don't think he's avoiding changing fluid. He's trying to get more of whatever loose metal "trapped" to come out with the fluid when he DOES change it. That's the way I read it anyway.

[jclark138]

Originally Posted by meimk

I don't think he's avoiding changing fluid. He's trying to get more of whatever loose metal "trapped" to come out with the fluid when he DOES change it. That's the way I read it anyway.

Originally Posted by Conradconrad

I hope everyone is safe and healthy!
In theory .. . to “magnetize & catch” a decent amount of shavings on the bolt, and drive around like that for maybe a month or so(100miles) before I change the oil? . . . .!

that’s what I read too -

[Conradconrad]

Originally Posted by meimk

I don't think he's avoiding changing fluid. He's trying to get more of whatever loose metal "trapped" to come out with the fluid when he DOES change it. That's the way I read it anyway.

That’s what I am trying to do. I’m trying to avoid taking the cover off