When checking transmission and rear end oil during routine maintenance, we’ll often find fine, glittery metal dust, smaller than grains of sand.
Some people see this and think it’s a sign of trouble — perhaps a worn or broken part or a bearing about to go out.
In our experience, this fine metal dust, if not occurring in large amounts, is not a sign of a problem, but rather a sign of ordinary wear.
Larger pieces likely are an indication that something inside the unit has broken or worn through the hardness, and this will require your attention.