When I removed the drain plug, I found the usual metal shavings but, also some very small metal balls(maybe 20) I've never seen that before, any ideas? Why do I have a feeling I don't want to know.


Thanks!

Here's a pic-

That looks like you have a bearing that failed, any vibrations or grinding noise?

Nope, nothing. It feels fine.

Tic tok tic tok... BOOM! Hope nothing happens but I'm sure they weren't extras that were'n needed.

They're your break in balls.

Now that your balls are broken, you don't need them anymore.


I'm with Tom, I'll bet they're from a bearing somewhere, or just perhaps a mistake when the truck was built.

If you don't notice any problem, I wouldn't worry about it. They've probably been that way for a while.

What worries me....Is thsi somethign that just happened and nothing will happen now or for a while OR did the bearing break apart a while ago and I could be on the side of the road tomorrow? Is it worth fixing? Am I looking at the risk of getting a used tranny with more miles than my truck (71000) and possibly having problems worse or equal to my tranny problem? Dishing out money for the tranny, labor and a clutch. Or am I better off getting rid of it before something happens with the tranny or, with all the problems that I have had, anything else. It's pretty disappointing to have problems like this with the amount of miles that I have. It always seem to be something.

Quite honestly, it may not be a problem if you're not noticing one...but who knows.

I would look for strange noises. Take the shifter boot off and put a long screwdriver to the transmission case. With someone else in the driver's seat have them start the truck and run it in neutral while you put your ear to the handle of the screwdriver. You will hear mechanical noises, but listen for strange sounds. Then, if you can, have them go through the gears while driving as you listen. This can be better accomplished on a lift, with all four wheels off the ground.

Seriously, it could have been a manufacturing mistake and there is no real problems with your transmission.