Broken diff sensor

[herbie]

Hi guys, So my speedometer was not working so I checked the diff sensor. When I removed it, it was missing one of the ‘fingers’ and I assume the piece fell inside the case. Is it harmful to leave that plastic piece in there? I really don’t feel like paying someone to open the case as I just had a mechanic replace the gasket. Thanks in advance.

https://ibb.co/nnH9L9

[jeffnhiscars]

My instincts say it's more than a coincidence that this broke shortly after your mechanic replaced the gasket.

[herbie]

My instincts say it's more than a coincidence that this broke shortly after your mechanic replaced the gasket.

I know, but I can’t really point fingers since it was a r3v member plus he offered to check it. The problem is he’s busy and can’t work on my car. I want to get my car painted soon so I was wondering how harmful would it be if I left the broken plastic piece in there, at least until my mechanic gets to check it.

[Jaxx_]

"harmful" depends on your level of commitment. If the piece is entirely plastic it'll just get chewed up by the gear teeth. If you have an LSD the plastic could embed in the clutches, otherwise I don't really see it doing too much damage. Obviously, it's not ideal.

I'm sure that if you have been driving it long enough to notice the speedo not working, it probably is already pulp in the diff fluid.

[D.Martijn]

I mean, it's not that hard to drain the old oil, remove the cover, install a new gasket and fill it up again with oil. There are plenty of DIY articles/videos covering the steps.

Why not do it yourself so you're 100% the piece that fell into the diff can't damage the teeth, bearings...?

[herbie]

"harmful" depends on your level of commitment. If the piece is entirely plastic it'll just get chewed up by the gear teeth. If you have an LSD the plastic could embed in the clutches, otherwise I don't really see it doing too much damage. Obviously, it's not ideal.

I'm sure that if you have been driving it long enough to notice the speedo not working, it probably is already pulp in the diff fluid.

I have only driven the car twice. Once when i picked it up and another after i replaced the sensor. I have LSD, should i get worried?

[herbie]

I mean, it's not that hard to drain the old oil, remove the cover, install a new gasket and fill it up again with oil. There are plenty of DIY articles/videos covering the steps.

Why not do it yourself so you're 100% the piece that fell into the diff can't damage the teeth, bearings...?

I was going to, but i could not reach to the top two bolts and i'd hate to lower the diff. My DIY skills are not up there.

Would getting a set of flex head wrench help, just to get to the top two bolts without lowering the diff?

thanks,

[HerbE30]

I was going to, but i could not reach to the top two bolts and i'd hate to lower the diff. My DIY skills are not up there.

Would getting a set of flex head wrench help, just to get to the top two bolts without lowering the diff?

thanks,

Where I have 12mm risers, everytime I have to work on the diff, I always want to just cut holes in the spare tire well. Just enough for an extension to reach through. I was able to pull the cover off though, it's just annoying and a tight squeeze.

Could always drop the subframe slightly or try 'offset' wrenches?

[herbie]

Where I have 12mm risers, everytime I have to work on the diff, I always want to just cut holes in the spare tire well. Just enough for an extension to reach through. I was able to pull the cover off though, it's just annoying and a tight squeeze.

Could always drop the subframe slightly or try 'offset' wrenches?

Thanks for the response. I'll probably do that, cut holes.

thanks,