2002-07 Honda CRV Rear Differential TSB

[weebur]

I realize that this may not be the prefect place to post a vehicle Technical Service Bulletin, but since so many of us tow CRV's I thought it might be of interest.

After returning from a 2500 mile trip last year our toad (2006 CRV) began making noise and vibration from the rear end while turning sharply at slow speed.

I knew that this was a symptom from trucks that I have owned that were equipped with limited-slip rear differentials when the friction modifier in the fluid breaks down causing the clutch discs to chatter. I only had 12,000 miles on the vehicle so I was worried that I damaged the transmission towing it all 4 down. I was careful to stop and recirculate the trans fluid every 6-8 hours like the book says, but was ready for a battle with Honda.

As it turned out they knew all about it and I was told the it usually occurs about 12K. They replaced the fluid and all is well. The service writer said that it's a design flaw that would be corrected in the 2008 models.

If yours is doing this it would be a good idea to change the fluid as excessive chatter could result in worn clutch discs. Honda may even, if pressed, fix it out of warranty, it wouldn't hurt to ask. Here's a link if you care to read more. http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A07-024.PDF

[weebur]

I realize that this may not be the prefect place to post a vehicle Technical Service Bulletin, but since so many of us tow CRV's I thought it might be of interest.

After returning from a 2500 mile trip last year our toad (2006 CRV) began making noise and vibration from the rear end while turning sharply at slow speed.

I knew that this was a symptom from trucks that I have owned that were equipped with limited-slip rear differentials when the friction modifier in the fluid breaks down causing the clutch discs to chatter. I only had 12,000 miles on the vehicle so I was worried that I damaged the transmission towing it all 4 down. I was careful to stop and recirculate the trans fluid every 6-8 hours like the book says, but was ready for a battle with Honda.

As it turned out they knew all about it and I was told the it usually occurs about 12K. They replaced the fluid and all is well. The service writer said that it's a design flaw that would be corrected in the 2008 models.

If yours is doing this it would be a good idea to change the fluid as excessive chatter could result in worn clutch discs. Honda may even, if pressed, fix it out of warranty, it wouldn't hurt to ask. Here's a link if you care to read more. http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A07-024.PDF

[RoadRohrers]

You're right. This is a well known problem. I experienced the problem after about 50,000 driving and 20,000 towing miles, so when is inconsistent.

I learned of the problem/solution at a Honda SUV site. There is also a thread about this problem here on IRV2 under MH Towing.

BTW, don't know if you changed it yourself, but the old fluid was a very dark red. New fluid almost clear. The fluid is called "Dual Pump" fluid, although there is no clue whether the other "pump"is.

If only all problems were so simply solved. Happy travels

[weebur]

Thanks for the reply. I wonder if the dark oil was caused from suspended disc material from wear. From my experience worn discs aren't a major problem, they just get less efficient.

[tomsm]

My CR-V has about 25k driving miles and 20k towing miles. Thought maybe I had gotten away clean for once, till I read RoadRohrers' post. Oh well, at least I'll know what it is when it happens - thanks for the heads-up, weebur...

[weebur]

Hey, you're quite welcome. That's what this forum is all about. Changing differential fluid is something that many people fail to do. Even in non-limited-slip diffs the suspended microscopic metal particals act as an abrasive and cause additional wear on the gears and axle seals. Now that I know (based on Honda's service writer) that it's a design flaw I'll be changing the gear oil myself yearly.

As a side note, at least in Illinois, any business that changes oil is required to accept your old gear and engine oil without charge. I keep a 5-gallon jug in my garage and when full I take it to a local shop and dump it in their drain. It's a good law, it keeps a lot of oil out of landfills.

[HPH]

We performed rear differential service on a large number of the Honda CRV's when I owned my shop. I recall all the Honda diff. fluids being red. The Dual Pump as well as the VTM-4 that is used in the Pilot. I may be mistaken. Also I think the diff. service interval for severe duty was 12K. Again I may be mistaken as I sold my shop a year ago and have traveled to a different "mental zone" thanks to my MH.
One thing I know for sure if you do it yourself, (which is easy,easy if you have the correct tools) only use the honda fluid.

[weebur]

HPH, thanks for the input. I normally use full synthetic gear oil of the proper grade in my other vehicles, but will take your advise and use Honda oil. Tools and time I've got...now if those $300 fill ups would just go back to $150. I like the "mental zone", I think I'll start using that instead of blaming my brain cells of going to sleep.

[becks]

Changed mine myself in my 2003 thanks to the heads up noted here on irv2. Used the Honda duel pump fluid. Easy do it yourself job. Just cannot say thank you enough for the great forum irv2 is.

[weebur]

Thanks, and ditto.

[HPH]

This is an awesome site, I learn something everytime I log on.
Back to Diffs. I also run syn in my Tahoe, Royal Purple .

[RCtime]

Is this happening with 2 wheel and the 4 wheel drive crv's?
I have about 60,000 plus driving miles and about 30,000 towing miles on my 2 wheel drive 2004 crv with no problems.

[RoadRohrers]

Just the real time AWD models. It is the rear differential which I assume the 2WD do not have. Hope this helps

[mountainkowboy]

Yup 4wd only has the issue, ours started it at around 32K.....fluid change and no problems since!