Dana 44 Spider Gears - Damaged

[Nickzero]

I was replacing the differential fluid today on my 2017 JKU Sport. The front Dana 30 seemed free of damage or debris once inspected. However once I got to the rear Dana 44 I popped the cover and immediately noticed the spider gears (top and bottom) missing large chunks of metal from their teeth ridges. (Pictures attached)

This was the very first time I have replaced the differential fluid on my JKU since it was brand new. I am the original owner. Does any one know how this damage could have occurred? I like to call this carnage 'Spiders vs Godzilla'.

The current milage is 33,000 Miles. The fluid change was much needed!

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[TerryD]

That appears to be a metallurgical issue with the parts. I'd take pictures and the vehicle to Jeep. Looks like you're probably gonna get a new axle or at least a rebuild under warranty if it's still good.

 

[madcratebuilder]

It may have had one tooth separate and it took the rest out. Replacement gears should be cheap.

 

[RootedWanderers]

It's kinda common with the LSD rear d44 in the JKs. I hadn't ever noticed any noises or even any other issues and when I upgraded the front axle and put a rear locker in too the guys that did mine noticed the same kind of damage. They said they saw that pretty frequently with the LSD rear.

 

[Dilldog]

I would say warranty, appears that the gears failed. When I blew spiders out due to shock loading and abuse I would always see some degree of flaking and fracturing of the hardening on the gear faces. The fact that there are just chunks missing without any gear face damage would not make me think abuse was to blame.

 

[Dakota Houligans]

Needs to be thoroughly inspected to make sure the bearings and ring and pinion are undamaged. But, I'd agree that it doesn't look to be abuse. very little wear or damage is visible other than the missing pieces. Check on the warranty. If they won't take care of it. Find a shop that does axle work regularly. Setting up a ring and pinion along with adjusting bearing preload is as much art as it is procedure.

 

[Nickzero]

Needs to be thoroughly inspected to make sure the bearings and ring and pinion are undamaged. But, I'd agree that it doesn't look to be abuse. very little wear or damage is visible other than the missing pieces. Check on the warranty. If they won't take care of it. Find a shop that does axle work regularly. Setting up a ring and pinion along with adjusting bearing preload is as much art as it is procedure.

Thank you for the wise advice. I will approach my dealer soon about this issue.

 

[Dakota Houligans]

No problem. Hope they get you taken care of painlessly.

 

[smritte]

Wow only 33k miles. It really does look like a chunk of something did that. Ive seen diff cover magnets come loose and break things. It really doesn't look like abuse and nothing is discolored from heat.
As @OBJK mentioned it possibly being common, that would suck. Hope it ends up free and if not use good parts.

Scott