I just preformed the 30000 mile service on my 99 4runner sr5. When the Rear Diffferential fluid was changed out, it smelled burnt and had larger than regular metal shavings/chips in it. Does this mean my rear diff is goin out? I only have 30,800 miles on the rig and haven't hammered it (too hard) off road yet. I called my local toyota dealership and they said it was normal but I have my doubts. If it is goin out though, I'm still within the 60 month, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty and hopefully it would be covered.

 

How big is "larger than regular"????

 

Not huge but rather large shavings, not the fine little ones. This was the first time I have changed it out since I owned the truck and it seemed odd that it should have that size of metal in it to be running properly.