Puzzled

[Monty]

I have a '98 CRV automatic tansmission vehicle that makes a chirping noise when the wheels spin on snow or ice. The traction on the rear wheels seems to engage OK, but I'm wondering if the noise is a normal occurance, or an indication of pending trouble.

Slippery conditions are quite rare in this area, so the use of all 4 wheels for traction is not a must. The fact that the system has rarely been engaged might be the cause of the noise, but I have no knowledge of the workings of the system. If a clutch or brake band is used for engagement, could this be the cause?

Monty

[spdrcr5]

How many miles? Have you ever had the rear differential fluid changed?

Welcome to the CRVOC, glad you found us. Fill in your vehicle info and location so we know where you're from. :)

[Monty]

The vehicle is used in the Vancouver B.C./ Seattle area

[2RedV's]

You still have not posted number of miles on it, but it sounds like a typical case of "owner has not changed the rear differential fluid".

It may take take 2 changes if it has been neglected for way too long. Change it once, with ONLY Honda Dual-Pump fluid and drive around in tight, left circles for a couple minutes to test it. If it still chirps, do it again. It takes 1.0 liter (1.1 quarts) It is easy to change yourself, but you must loosen the FILL bolt first. They were put on really tight and if you first drain the fluid, then fail to loosen the fill bolt, you are in trouble.

[Monty]

The vehicle has 155,000 Kms on it, and runs great in all other respects.

I will follow up on your recommendation to change the rear end fluid, but I am curious as to how the system works, and how this might cure the problem.. I have a feeling that there has never been a fluid change, because I know that the previous owner was stricly a driver only.

Thank you.

[2RedV's]

There is even a TSB on fluid changes. If one change doesn't cure it, do a second change is essentially what the TSB says. This is why you should buy 3 quarts of Dual-Pump fluid. It takes 1.1 quarts (1.0 litre) for one change.

The rear diff uses a special formulation hydraulic fluid that runs 2 pumps inside it. It is able to sense that the front wheels are turning faster than the rears (or vice-versa) and the clutch pack gets activated which makes the rear wheels get torque to them. It not only activates in way less than a second, it also pulses on/off as needed to keep the vehicle moving.

As it is a fluid, it will need periodic renewing, no different than the engine oil.

[Monty]

Thanks for the reply. I will assume that there are no friction pads that may have worn out, or things of a similar nature.

Monty

[2RedV's]

Thanks for the reply. I will assume that there are no friction pads that may have worn out, or things of a similar nature.

Monty

It's possible - The V does have a clutch pack inside the rear diff. Get the fluid changed ASAP. If one change doesn't entirely quiet it, do a second change.

To test: In a parking lot, drive real slow in tight, left hand circles with the window down OR have a volunteer walk along the side listening for "noises".