Abstract: A magnetic particle separator for a motor vehicle drive axle includes a slot in a wall of the drive axle and a magnet in the slot. The slot is located such that one side thereof defines a window open to a gear chamber of the drive axle. The slot has dovetail edges which define abutments for preventing dislodgement of the magnet into the gear chamber through the window. A cover of the drive axle closes and open side of the gear chamber and an open end of the slot to prevent dislodgement of the magnet through the open end. Ferromagnetic particles entrained in fluid lubricant circulating in the gear chamber are attracted by the magnet through the window and thereby separated from the lubricant.