Rear Diff Fluid Change

[Alnitak]

Hi. :) I live in the far north of Scotland and own a manual shift RHD 2002 CRV Sport (and SE 1.4 Jazz/FIT) which I've kept in good condition and carry out maintenance such as oil & filter change, new spark plugs, air element and dust filter etc. The latter had obviously not been replaced since new and was utterly disgusting- I recommed replacing every couple of years or less. On the same point I'm considering changing the rear diff fluid - is this essential on a 4-year old car? If so how do I do it please?

Also is there an oil change counter reset and how do I zero this?
Thanks

[2RedV's]

The rear diff fluid should be changed every 30k miles or 50km's. It is very simple to do oneself. You do not need to jack the V up. Only use the official Honda Dual-Pump fluid. It is a special formulation hydraulic fluid and is not the tyoical rear-wheel drive car gear oil or differential fluid. Do not wait until it exhibits symptoms such as noise while doing low-speed turns.
In the US, there is maintenance required light, but not sure what the mileage set point is on a Euro-spec V. Check your manual to be sure.

[Dahmer]

ok so now how would I manage to carry out a rear differential fluid change?

[2RedV's]

You purchase 3 quarts of Dual Pump fluid II so you can do 2 drain and fills. On a first gen, it takes 1.1 quarts to do one, so you may as well buy 3 so you can do 2 changes since you will already be at the dealer. You should also buy 2 new crush washers. I believe they are 20mm. Crush washers are designed to be used (crushed) once.

Loosen the FILL bolt FIRST, especially if it has never been done before. They were put on WAY too tight from the factory and if you drain it, then cannot get the fill bolt undone, you are in trouble. :eek:

Then, loosen the drain bolt and ... drain. Replace drain bolt. Fill. Replace fill bolt.

Here is a video that may help out:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q-EEEOkwjFA

.

[Dahmer]

sweet man, thanks a lot. you're literally saving my life. I'm leaving in 6 days across Canada and I REALLY wanna boost the mileage. my aim, although apparently drastic, is to get 700km per tank. I'm changing just about every fluid I can, (coolant, tranny, rear differential,) cleaning/replacing the spark plugs, and possibly the air filter. any other suggestions? is the fuel filter particularily difficult to replace?

[fatboyslim]

What socket was used on the drain/fill plugs?
It looked like he didn't use one??

[2RedV's]

What socket was used on the drain/fill plugs?
It looked like he didn't use one??
No, he didn't use a socket. He simply used a 3/8" ratchet. The square part on the end of the ratchet is what you use instead of a socket. Honda engineers are smart that way.

[Carbuff2]

Just a slight correction...on an 05 or 06 V the capacity of the differential went up to 1.3 quarts.