Rear diff rust concern

[kickboxer]

Whilst inspecting the underaneath of my Terrano this weekend, I noticed that the casing of the rear diff was starting to break up, on closer inspection and a bit of proding with a screwdriver a few chunks came away from the casing. I can understand a bit of surface rust flakes but this was 5mm chunks of rotten casting.
Should I be very concerned about this? or is it not too much to panic about?

 

[Fez_uk]

pics

 

[stinka]

No, its normal

 

[mr tickle]

When I changed my diff oil I noticed exactly the same thing.
It was a bit concerning but the remaining casing seemed quite thick metal.

Glad it's not just me.

 

[96terrano]

I'd rub it down well, then 're paint it with a heavy duty paint of some sort

 

[rustic]

I'd rub it down well, then 're paint it with a heavy duty paint of some sort

Wire brush, thin coat of waxoyl occasionally.:thumbs

 

[kickboxer]

Thanks guys, I will sleep better now and give it a good cleaning and paint at the weekend.