CRV Differential Noise

[UFO Pilot]

I know there are quite a few on here who tow a Honda CRV. Our 2006 developed a noise (growl?) when making a hard left or hard right turn. I took it to the dealer today and they said the problem is pretty common. Appearently the differential fluid "wears out" before it should. It is supposed to last 40,000 or more miles and ours only has 20,000 on it. I am not sure exactly why but they replaced it under warranty. I always thought oil and fluids were not warranty items.

It has nothing to do with towing it but thought I would post here as a FYI in case your CRV developes the same symptoms.

[UFO Pilot]

I know there are quite a few on here who tow a Honda CRV. Our 2006 developed a noise (growl?) when making a hard left or hard right turn. I took it to the dealer today and they said the problem is pretty common. Appearently the differential fluid "wears out" before it should. It is supposed to last 40,000 or more miles and ours only has 20,000 on it. I am not sure exactly why but they replaced it under warranty. I always thought oil and fluids were not warranty items.

It has nothing to do with towing it but thought I would post here as a FYI in case your CRV developes the same symptoms.

[RoadRohrers]

Had the same problem at around 68K miles. From the forum at hondasuv.com I learned about changing the diff fluid. The differential uses Honda's Dual Pump Fluid (never did learn what/where second pump is). The diff takes 1.1 quarts and is very easy to change. The fluid is very light. According to my friend who knows more about this stuff, the fluid just collects clutch dust and wears out.

Anyway, I was amazed at the difference. All is well with CRV now. I suspect this only happens on the AWD cars.

[Road Pilot]

Brought our CR-V in for it's annual checkup and local dealer (Naples, FL) said should change the diff. fluid every 20,000 or so. Told him that's not what our book said. They have had a problem as stated in other posts.

Although it isn't related to towing, be sure to include the towed miles, not odometer miles though in determining whether to change the fluid.

[becks]

Thanks much for the info. Have 45000 miles on ours and will make it this weekends project.

[RUFINIT]

Had the same problem (same symptoms) on our 03 CRV last fall. Had about 38,000 miles plus 20 plus being towed. Brought it to the dealer and they knew exactly what it was. Changed the fluid and solved the noise problem.

Will change on a regular basis in the future, as I do the tranny fluid more often than required due to towing.