Menu toggle

metal filings in transmission oil

T

Tiptronic2

New member
I have just had the transmission oil changed on my C4S some metal filings were noticed in the old. According one source this is normal and according to another this warrants overhauling the gear box. I wondered if anyone out there might have encountered this before? Any advice would be very gratefully received.
 
Only my opinion, but as the transmision oil only circulates in the transmission it can't do harm outside the transmission. Therefore, unless you are seeing a problem in your transmission I'd be tempted to carry on driving. Perhaps change the oil again in a few months and see if there is some new contamination.

I suppose the arguement of an overhaul now would be that the damage might be limited. Stitch in time saves 6 gears if you fix one now, type of arguement. But an overhaul of the gear box is expensive (and only a bit more expensive if you have to change more parts) - so I'd be temped to carry on.

Awaits another view or 3....
 
As Mark suggests I wouldn't rush into anything to quickly. In particular it will be partially dependent on when the oil was last changed and possibly the type of oil used. Most gearboxes will produce some particles and I believe in some cases the oil is designed (additives) to keep these in solution until such time as its filtered or changed.[FONT=verdana,geneva"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"] If it were my car I would check the oil in 12 months time, and take a view then.[FONT=verdana,geneva"] [FONT=verdana,geneva"] I also await others views with interest.[FONT=verdana,geneva"]
 
Just gone thru all this, 993 box , it may be too late but u need someone with enough experience to judge how serious those filings were?

I was lucky took it apart and 3 rd gear set in a bad way ...........looked like abt to split from the center , cud have jammed whole box up even exploded cases ..........................all a bit extreme, but the worst my guy ever saw !

Saved a lot in the long run .........very hard to be clever , just get someone who sees a few , mileage and feel may be a guide but beware THE WORST CAN ALWAYS HAPPEN !
 
Thanks for replies so far. The guy thats working on the car has been working on Porsches since 1984 and he sounded very convincing that things might be about to take a turn for the worse. He says its the rear differential that might potentially need sorting.
 
well iv'e just had a box apart which had worn out diff gear set/diff gear needle roller bearings and pin/and the crown wheel bearings heavily worn and it sounded fine to drive the car.(it was removed to repair a worn synchromesh to 2nd gear and these extras were discovered on strip down)1997 C2S 76kmiles.
It would be usefull to have seen the swarf/particles to evaluate if they are normal, The 4wd box has a lsd fitted and that produces black brake pad dust particles from the clutch pack in the diff unit which makes the oil go very dark.Also metal dust is produced by the action of the synchromesh on evey gearchange.so some particles in the oil are normal.
It should be possible to remove the diff from the box with it still in the car and examine the diff and all its components and also physically feel the condition of the pinion bearing on the output shafrt where it protrudes into the diff housing.This is by no means all that can go wrong with this box but it's a relatively cheap place to start if you feel the need.
Is the box showing any other signs of wear? such as weak synchromesh to lower gears especially when cold 2/3 rd in particular as the crunching that takes place when this happens can produce small actual chunks of metal as opposedd to metal dust/fileings.
Obviously leaving it with heavily worn components inside of it could have drastic cost implications if the box explodes. I dont agree that it's best to leave it alone as the parts inside run very close to each other and if any foreign parts are floating about in the oil or break off they are sure to take out a whole host of other bits on their way round!And the gears and bearings are frighteningly expensive to replace ,circa £500 per gear set (so their are seven of them!) plus recon diff unit £750) bearings ere between £30-£200 each and their are lots of them all plus labour and probably a clutch at the same time!!(all genuine porsche and their is not a lot else available for most of it!!.)that is without a hole in the case if the worst happens ,very rare.
hope this is useful to you.
 
Ouch - changed my mind on this!
Think I'll change my gear box oil and see what it looks like[&:]
 
Mark, Its done about 71K. Its not sounding good. [&:] Unfortunately it is with an OPC and they don't recommend moving it (though perhaps they would say that wouldn't they).

Mike
 
The description I had was that it looked like swarf so it sounded a bit more than just fine metallic dust. I will ley you know how i get on. Looks like i will be driving to the Question Time meeting in my Suzuki rather than the C4S.[:(]
 
Mike i don't what sort of car you have I.e minter with 21k and full opc history or 100k with specialist and opc, but i am really not sure a dealer is the best place for your car to be with this type of problem.I think it will be stupid money and they will want to cover every base, so will want to replace everything ,which might not be neccessary or just offer you the porsche recon/new box..Are you sure you know where this could be going. consider it carefully before you commit yourself too much and can't get out.
regards C
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top