Hi,

Took my car for the 54k service at a local S2000 specialist, found 3 little shards of metal sitting in the cap they removed to drain the oil.

He said it's something I need to keep an eye on sooner rather than later!

I can't afford to just swap one out, and the car drives fine imo! Anyone else found metal in their oil!!?

What happens if the diff seizes? Car still drivable?

Cheers,
Wayne

 

Pics

 

No, it isnt.

 

There will most always be some metal flecks on the drain plug when you drain the oil. If you hear no whine or any other noise coming from the rear you should be fine to drive the car. If the rear does start to whine or make noise you will want to get it fixed or replaced right away.
You can not drive on a seized rear end.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/515...chunk-in-diff/

 

Only pic I have, looks like three of those 'ears' they mention in the other thread you linked (thanks for that!)

I get really bad whine coming from below the centre console, can't tell where though. No change of sound in neutral or any gears. I originally thought it was wind hitting the roof and causing a whining/whirring noise but now i'm certain it's the drive train. Gets louder tha faster you go.

Another thread I read suggesting it was at the back of the gear box, can't remember what it's called. However now i'm thinking it's my diff Only had the car a few weeks lol!

What's a diff replacement going to set me back? Worth upgrading?

I want to go to the ring end of July and a few track days so want this sorted. It's my daily driver so no diffs that are going to annoy me!

Thanks

 

That is not a good thing I see in your pic. The whine maybe bearing whine in the differential due to all that metal being ran through the bearings.

 

S2KPuddydad,
I have Richmond 4.56 gears,and the whine is driving me crazy,specially between 50 and 60-65- mph.
Never found any metal chips,and have been driving around for more than four years,without any problem;it's just the freaking noise that bothers me.
Is it normal ??? Is there something to do ???

 

I thought the whine was coming from the diff but I had my girlfriend put her ear to the centre console while I was driving and she said 100% it's coming from directly below the handbrake/top down/hazard switch button. Which suggests it's coming from the back of the gearbox?

 

It is normal.
Start to worrie the moment the 4.57's stop making noise or change its tone.
The 4.57's whine, howl and buzz by design.
Not that RG designed them with making noise in mind but it has to do with the 32:7 teeth count.
In the speed range you mention it just is what they do.
Oil can make a slight difference but not much and not for long.

Have you ever driven top down next to a truck?
And then especially close to the rear (driven) axle?
Compared to that your diff is just whispering.