Rear Diff, for info

[jreddevil]

Got auto crv ex nighthawk black Only done 2000 miles got a ratchet type sound coming from rear when cornering slowly or pulling out from a junction, mainly when turning right, very intermitent. Just got back from honda dealer, they think it rear diff, moisture in oil! cant see how not been swimming with it. They are going to flush it out for me, sounds as this could be a problem as they seem to know what problem was straight away! Will keep you posted after this has been done next friday, see if it was fault :(

[Greenzter]

Yeah. It's a problem alright. Very common. There are many posts about it. Mine included. Honda has a huge problem.

No doubt you'll get many replies from dedicated Honda defenders that all 4WD vehicles need their fluid changed and blah blah blah. BS.

[Black Pearl]

As Greenzter indicated, it is a big problem with Honda. You didn't tell us where you are located and what year and model you have, but here are a couple of TSBs that are applicable to CRVs in the US, particularly the 07.

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A07-021.PDF

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A07-024.PDF

If your V falls into the VIN range noted in 07-021, they may replace the clutch pack in the rear differential. TSB 07-024 is for a fluid change and burnishing the clutch pack.

There has been many posts on this forum regarding this problem. I hope the TSBs above are useful to you. If you are in the US these repairs should be covered by the warranty.

[jreddevil]

thanks for info, Im based in UK, model 2007 ex auto

[jreddevil]

Just picked up my CRV from dealer following flushing of rear diff, driving home, guess what!!! its still not cured. Drove back to dealer, they have booked it in for a 2nd flush on second of June. Fingers crossed but not really expecting any difference, will keep you posted :mad:

[Black Pearl]

Did your dealer do the 3X drain, burnish, and fill like is stated in the TSB? If they only drained and refilled the fluid, it probably won't be enough.

The TSB for changing the clutch packs seemed to be limited to Japanese built 2007 Vs, but I wonder if perhaps you somehow got one of the bad units?

Obviously I don't know how things work in the UK. First how long is the vehicle under warranty? You want this taken care of before your warranty runs out. I would inquire if there is a UK equivalent to TSB 07-021 and I would contact Honda UK.

Why do you have to wait two weeks? They didn't fix it, in fact, it doesn't sound like they even road tested it to see if it was fixed. How far from the dealer did it start making noise?

It sounds as though you could use some advice from Greenzter, our resident expert on Honda not fixing the rear end.

Greenzter come forth and vituperate some classic anti-rear diff vitriol, and give our friend here some advice.

Anyone else in the UK having this problem?

[jreddevil]

CRV only 3 months into warranty, i will ask when i go next time what type of flush they do, i will go armed with info. I have to wait nearly 3 weeks as i am away until then. Will keep you updated

[jreddevil]

Picked up CRV yesterday after 2nd rear diff oil flush, and wait for it SILENCE when cornering, so fingers crossed that has cured problem. Will let you know if anything changes. Thanks for forum help.

[Mal113]

Anyone in the UK or Europe with this diff problem? I also understand that the problem may not just be due to moisture in the diff oil but to defective parts within the diff assembly. Does anyone have more info on this and the service bullentin Number for the UK models.

[davidamacphee]

I'm having mine looked at on Tuesday...i'll report back what the find but it's definitly the rear diff making some horrible noises on full lock.

[Mal113]

David.

I suspect you will be taking it to Lancaster Honda on White Lund? If they suggest it is moisture in the oil, it maybe an idea to ask how it gets in?? Unless it was contaminated for new the moisture must be finding a way into the oil, some oils will absorb moisture, does this oil do that? If not then it is going to be an expensive problem if oil needs changing very few thousand hours. The maintenance schedule states at 12,500 and then 62.5000 miles.

Good luck with the fix and I look forward to your report on the problem.

[jreddevil]

I'm having mine looked at on Tuesday...i'll report back what the find but it's definitly the rear diff making some horrible noises on full lock.

Does sound very similar to what mine was like, be interested what your garage says.

[Mal113]

David.

What news on the inspection of the diff noise? was the oil changed or was there other problems?

[davidamacphee]

Morning chaps...

Had to rebook as the forgot to pick the car up...

They did a full flush and oil change and everything is good so far. To be honest, they didn't bat an eyelid when I explained what it was. I don't think anyone should have a problem getting this through the warrenty.

David

Just because I'm having a slightly naff day, I'll add that I've been buying new Honda's since I was 19, this is my 9th Honda and it is by far and away the worst one I've had. I swear it was made on a 'Ford Apprecaition' day. The build quality is shocking. Phew, I feel better now.

[davidamacphee]

David.

I suspect you will be taking it to Lancaster Honda on White Lund? If they suggest it is moisture in the oil, it maybe an idea to ask how it gets in?? Unless it was contaminated for new the moisture must be finding a way into the oil, some oils will absorb moisture, does this oil do that? If not then it is going to be an expensive problem if oil needs changing very few thousand hours. The maintenance schedule states at 12,500 and then 62.5000 miles.

Good luck with the fix and I look forward to your report on the problem.

You suspect correctly. They didn't tell me anything because they never do unless I ask. I try to spend as little effort with them as possible. I know I should have asked a bit more but I'm tired of them fobbing me off as a complete idiot...although Alan, the guy who used to be a service chap is still as helpful as ever and is a lose to them imo.

[Are-we-There-Yet?]

Hi Guys
I picked my car up two weeks ago and had same problem.
Honda in Basingstoke Hampshire were really helpful.
He booked me in for the next day. I waited while the oil was changed in the rear diff. One & Half hours later noise gone.!!!
Thank you Honda Basingstoke.
I did read that if the noise still remains it could be the rear clutch assembly if that is correct.
Good Luck
Rich

[Mal113]

Regarding the noise from the differential and the suspected cause being moisture in the oil. This problem has been seen in a number of countries across the world and therefore it generates the question how did the oil get contaminated? As the problem has been seen in many different countries with different manufacturing plants being involved, in my opinion it would rule out the oil being contaminated before being put into the differential as that would require different oil suppliers to have oil contaminated. If contamination by water is the problem then it must be entering the differential whilst the vehicle is being driven, if this is the case then it will continue to happen throughout the vehicles life. Then we have the clutch pack that needs changing on some vehicles, is this, a result of the ingress of water? If so then we are all going to suffer the same fate at some time in the future. I have not seen the oil that has been removed (has anyone of you readers?) if the oil has emulsified (turned a cream colour due to the water) then there is little lubrication value in the oil and differential parts could already be damaged and changing the oil will not solve the problem.

The differential oil I believe should need changing at 65,000 miles but at this time it is being changed as little as 2000 miles. If we allow this to continue what happens at the end of the warranty period? I suggest that the people with the problem write to your local distributor (from where the vehicle was purchased) and tell them that you do not accept this situation and copy the same to Honda customer service, stating that the problem arose in warranty and it needs to be resolved so the vehicle will operate as stated in the maintenance schedule.

Further, so we can fight this problem in the future I think we should come together with our details so we can, if necessary fight the case as a group which will give us more strength to get the problem resolved free of change. My opinion is, if we do not do this we will be fobbed off as individuals, keeping the real problem under wraps.

If you wish I will act as the focal point or we can select another spokes person.

Regards

Mal.

[jreddevil]

Your suggestion sounds good to me, hope others think the same way

[Jimbo_EX]

Honda seem to be behaving like this more and more. There is a rust problem on the 3 door civic which has affected many people, yet dealerships seem to act dumb like they have never heard of it before...not to mention the initial reluctance to acknowledge the CRV pulls to the left problem

[tcturner]

If your going to go after Honda for the rear diff why don't you add the A/C self destructing after 3-4 years problem to the list.I hope there is no more .

[huggybear]

Hi I bought my CR-V in June of this year. When we picked it up it was making a strange noise from the rear and left hand side of the vehicle. We asked them to check it and they found nothing wrong, however we took it to another garage and they found that the alignment and balancing were way out. They rectified this but the noise continued. We then got in touch with the previous owners who informed us that they had had to have the diff replaced they sent us the paperwork which claimed it had been replaced. But looking at the plugs and airfilter when we picked it up we are not sure the garage were telling the truth. Well we did not get any satisfaction from our dealer so we went somewhere else. They took the car out as they could hear the noise. First they took the wheels off and found the rear passenger brakes were mis-shaped and full of debris, they also found that the handbrake needed to be adjusted as I could drive with it full on. Then they found the diff was full of swaffing (threads) and the oil was thick and black. They changed the oil but it has not got rid of the rear noise. (We definately doubt the diff was changed now) They are having it back this week to follow more investigations.
The car we know was used for towing before we bought it but we do not know the size of the caravan. We wondered if anyone else had a similar noise (which is a osolating whirring noise which can be heard at high or low speeds) after towing a trailer or van. We know they know what it is but they are playing cat or mouse with us. We are in no doubt that it is rear diff and the ball joints, we are really sick with Honda. P.S we are now struggling to get 24 mph out of the car now on a long run.

[Black Pearl]

Sorry you are having problems. Another possible source of the noise may be the bearing in the middle of the propeller shaft. We had some complaints about those about a year ago. Generally rear differentials make a groaning or grinding noise on tight bends.

Here is a diagram of the propeller shaft on a North American model from San Leandro Honda Online Parts:

http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=CR%2DV&Year=2005&TrimLevel=5DR+EX&TransLevel=5ATKA&Section=F&Category=B++20++%7CPROPELLER+SHAFT&PartCatalogId=14S9A0&ViewParts=true

also attached below. The bearing is denoted by the red arrow. I am not saying that this is definitely your problem, but it may be worth looking into.

Welcome to the club, and good luck with your repair.

[huggybear]

We are taking the car into a dealer on friday and will suggest what you have said and see where we go from there. We are also going to take the pictures with us to see if the models in the UK are the same as the US.

Thanks again for ther advise and your quick response:)