2007 CRV Rear Diff problem (Japanese)

[jcbbcj]

Hey all, I hate to bring it up again and again but I am new to the differential issue.
I purchased a used "07" CRV and noticed a clunking noise and smell when it went into all wheel drive on a icy road. It is still under the 3 year/36,000 mile warranty so I took it to the dealer and mentioned the TSB's on the rear differential. They offered a warranty service to replace the fluid and burnish the plates at no charge. I mentioned TSB 07-021 and they said they would need to first try the fluid change to see if that resolved it. That seems fair to me. It is quiet when I turn sharp at slow speeds. Oh yeah my VIN is in the range that came from Japan in 9/2006. My CRV is still under warranty for untill September and I want to stay on this issue should the problem worsen for me. I intend to get the rear end replaced should I experience any further noise or grinding. I need help with the documentation.

My question is does any one have a copy or link to the TSB 07-021? Can anyone share with me their experience in getting the rear differential replaced? What did you do to aid in getting Honda to honor the TSB?

This link works but the TSB is blank?? Go figure. It looks like it was updated on December 19, 2008 but it is incomplete.
http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A07-021.PDF

Also how does one contact Corporate Honda? I have read other posts about contacting corporate Honda. Does anyone have a number at Honda that helped them with the rear issue?

Thanks for reading

[Black Pearl]

I saved all sort of TSB's on my computer but 07-021 is not among them. The TSB is not blank, it has been replaced by 024. So it probably doesn't matter what it said. I think I have a paper copy, I'll try scanning it and sending it to you by email. Send me a PM with your email address. I will do that tomorrow evening, too damned late tonight. From what I remember, for certain range of Japanese VINS, defective clutch material in the rear differential. Replace the rear differential clutch pack. No fiddling with fluids and burnishing...just replace the rear differential.

To contact American Honda, page 334 of the owner's manual. 800-999-1009.
.

[jcbbcj]

Here is a copy of the original TSB 07-021 if any one is interested in it.

Also if you have had your rear end diffential replaced/repaired by Honda please let me know how you came about getting it done.

Thanks for reading -jcbbcj

[Black Pearl]

I saved your attachment to my computer. Thanks for posting it.

One problem you may have with trying to push 07-021 is that Honda may claim that the problem should have showed up far sooner than this for it to be the bad clutch material described in 07-021. I have a vague recollection that if the problem showed up when the vehicle is new (in the VIN ranges stated in the TSB), the problem was clutch material under 07-021. If it did not show up until 10 or 12K (all VINs), it was fluid under 07-024. The fact that Honda deleted 021 supports my vague recollections. The rationale being that by 2009 all the bad actors should have surfaced long ago.

You mentioned that you bought your V used. The rear differential fluid should have been changed by the Maintenance Minder schedule around 15 to 20K miles. Do you have any record that was done? If not that could have very well been the source of your problems.

Badgerland's rear differential made noise around 10 or 12 K and a fluid replacement fixed it.

I am not trying to minimize your concerns or defend Honda. However depending on how many miles you have on your V, it seems that the bad clutch material should have been a problem before now. That being said, I do think your plan to pursue 07-021 if you have any more problems certainly has validity. Keep all your paperwork, and keep a good record or future fluid changes. If you have problems after the warranty runs out, having a well documented history may help you get good will consideration.

At this point, your rear differential is probably out sync with the Maintenance Minder. That is not as horrible as it sounds! It just means that the MMI is keeping track on its own schedule that doesn't match the reality of the fact that you just changed the fluid (Unless Honda can go in an fiddle with the codes and get it back into sync--I don't know if that is possible or not). Keep in mind that you are going to have to change your fluid in about 15,000 miles. The 6 sub-code is for the rear differential fluid change. If you use the MMI and you get a 6 sub-code somewhat before your 15K is up, you may want to change the fluid early just to get back in sync.

Good luck with your rear differential.

[Badgerland]

Just as an update, I had my original DPF changed at 15,500 at no charge from the dealer. I did notice a noise a bit sooner but wasn't smart enough to put 2+2 together and waited a bit (about 3000 miles). The dealer did a drain and fill and all noise went away. I got a B16 at my second oil change at 20019 but since my fluid had just been changed at 15500 I did not do it again. My next B16 came at 39998 and I had been listening for any noise (none detected) and did the change.

So my first fluid interval was 15k with noise indicating change needed at around 12k. My second interval was 24k with NO NOISE indicating any problems what - so - ever. Since I get around 10k on my oil changes I seem to have a safety net of 20k interval for the DPF fluid.

[jcbbcj]

Yeah, it seems the noise in the rear end is gone since I had the fluid changed. I am hoping that took care of it.

However! My "07" has 26k on it and the 36k/36month warranty is still in effect untill Sept. 09. My VIN number is in the slot range of the vehicles that may have had bad clutch material in the rear diff. The way I see it, the material if defective, could break down and be problem at any time. Temperature, time, driving conditions, maintenance all play in the scenario. The bottom line for me is if it breaks down and causes problems for the CRV while it is under warranty, I intend to have it fixed by Honda.

The problem for me is I am approaching the EOW period. "Murphy's Law" sometimes works against me and I might be faced with a repair bill for the rear diff around $1300. All I can do is hope I won't have any further problems. I bought the car not knowing about the problem. New car, new problems.

If any other forum members have had their "07" rear diff. replaced or repaired I would like to learn of your experience in getting it resolved. Please send me a PM or post it here.

Thank you "Black Pearl" and "Badgerland" for your comments. They are appreciated and very helpful.

[Hua]

I know I'm a bit late to chime in, but I'll tell you what I did.

I have an 07 AWD. The rear diff started acting up around 10k miles, and Honda replaced the fluid. It started doing it again around 20k, so they replaced the fluid, and also "burnished" the clutches in the diff.

So far it's been trouble free for the past 10k miles. I have a close relationship with the entire service department at the local Honda dealer since I used to work there. So I'm not really worried if it acts up again outside of the warranty period since I have brought it in before for the same problem numerous times.