2012 Defender transfer box - fur and chip in transfer case oil

[Felix Australis]

Greetings, I have just about finished changing every fluid and filter on a 2012 110 Defender which has only done 93,00 kms. Most things check out OK except for the front diff oil which was black compared to honey for the rear diff. The gearbox was down on oil too but the transfer case is the mystery. There was a small (about 3mm x 2mm) curly magnetic copper covered 'bit' and a bit of fur on the magnetic plug. The oil was not too clean either.

This is a vehicle that has a good service history up till 2015 and then patchy. One owner truck mostly not used for the last five years after his wife passed. Also looks as though it has never been off road or been run in FWD.

Could it be that some of the oil has never been changed ? Even in warranty services ? I can't understand the inconsistencies in oil status. Other wise it runs like a Swiss watch and no noises of concern at all.

Thoughts on whether to crack open the transfer case or top it up and do so 10,000 kms and check the oil again ?

[big harold]

Need a picture of offending item.
Don't worry about front diff will be slight mix from swivel hub making it black.
How many litres came out of the gearbox?
How many did you put back in as it has no filler level plug?
Transfer case sounds like thrust washer from centre diff.
Mark

[Red90]

Sounds all normal and fine. Don’t worry.

[Felix Australis]

Need a picture of offending item.
Don't worry about front diff will be slight mix from swivel hub making it black.
How many litres came out of the gearbox?
How many did you put back in as it has no filler level plug?
Transfer case sounds like thrust washer from centre diff.
Mark

I'm going to have to dig through the bin to see if I can find that piece. Odd of me not to rip out the phone and grab a pic.

With the 'mix with swivel hub' - I haven't had a chance to look up the mechanics of the new setup - I'm used to the old oil filled ones. So can I assume that the grease is coming through a seal and contaminating the oil ? There is a smear of oil on the outside of the ball joint so thinking that if there is a seal it will need replacing soon.

Not sure how much oil came out of the gearbox - need to check the tray. I was aware of how much needs to go in and was done with a pressure bottle.

I assumed that the 'chip' out of the transfer case was a bit of the thrust washer - I've had a couple of ideas from people saying not to get too stressed unless there is some noise or more fluff on the magnet in the drain plug next time. The general consensus is that it may never have been serviced. The plan is to run the truck for 5 to 10 k and dump the oils and see how it looks before going in for major surgery.

[Felix Australis]

Sounds all normal and fine. Don’t worry.

I like your optimism and after having had five other Landy's I could be inclined to agree. But as soon as I can I want to head north and spend at least 6 months on the road so I would like to know that she is in the best shape to avoid expensive repairs on the road. Saying that the County I had did over 80k with a whining centre diff before ripping apart and putting in new thrust washers. I'll see how things look after the next oil change.

[alien]

The 6 speed gearbox is filled by a specific amount and not to the filler plug, overfilling will cause leaks.