2006 Rear Differential leaks

I got the CRV inspection sticker today and while up on the rack they called me in to let me know the rear differential is leaking a bit. Nothing major, they just wanted me to know so the next time I take it to the dealership they can look at it. I am far from a mechanic and my question is this, The little bit of a leak is at the front, not the rear box. From what I can tell you replace the fluid at the rear. Is the box in the front something completely different or am I confusing something. It's got about 45k on it and I have had the rear diff fluid changed twice since we purchased it new. Never really needed the AWD function yet so that part of it hasn't had much use.

The step by step guide I found here also seems to be for changing the box in the rear.

Thanks for any help.

if it is not leaking from the drain or fill hole, you have problems, i dont know the extent of the problem, but i would have it looked at, is it coming from where the drive (propeller) shaft meets the rear differential?

Not sure where the actual leak is on the box in the front, but it didn't appear to be near anything. I wasn't sure what the box in the front is called where the shaft meets up from the rear diff box in the back but that is where it was leaking a bit.

I just gave it a quick look, I am going to the dealer anyway on Sat but I figured I would ask to see if anyone had anything similar happen.

Folks with older CR-Vs report that a failing u-joint in the driveshaft can result in pinion seal leaks.

Still, it's kind of early for an 06 to show these problems. Do you live in the mountains where a lot of salt is used on the roads?




Another thought,: If the diff was overfilled when the fluid was changed (or, the diff vent is clogged from off-road mud) it might seep through the front seal.


If the "leak" is just damp I wouldn't obsess about it. If you can DIY you might want to remove the fill bolt (upper) (after removing the box around the charcoal canister) and see if fluid comes out. It shouldn't...

could it just be excess Dual pump fulid II sticking to the differential, like some got spilled after a fluid change? happended to me, i though it was a leak too

we don't see alot of snow or anything in my area and it's been a while, about 6-7 months, since I had the fluid changed. I am having it checked out Sat, just in case, since it's under warranty.

we don't see alot of snow or anything in my area and it's been a while, about 6-7 months, since I had the fluid changed. I am having it checked out Sat, just in case, since it's under warranty.

Yeah, it's always a good idea, that whenever you see a leak of any kind to clean up that area, and then see if there is still liquid, and if there is, it's a true leak, otherwise it's just excess fluid spillage from when the fluid was changed, but I don't see that build up happening on the rear differential. It may very well be a leak.

Folks with older CR-Vs report that a failing u-joint in the driveshaft can result in pinion seal leaks. Still, it's kind of early for an 06 to show these problems. Do you live in the mountains where a lot of salt is used on the roads? Another thought,: If the diff was overfilled when the fluid was changed (or, the diff vent is clogged from off-road mud) it might seep through the front seal. If the "leak" is just damp I wouldn't obsess about it. If you can DIY you might want to remove the fill bolt (upper) (after removing the box around the charcoal canister) and see if fluid comes out. It shouldn't...
All of the above suggestions seems like good advice, particularly the last part.

If it is just damp or looks like it is weeping,it should not present much of a problem. The important thing to remember is that if the leak is bad enough so that the rear diff gets too low between inspections, you just might trash it by running it dry. If it only drops a centimeter or so then the easiest thing out of warranty to is to just refill it faithfully on schedule.

On the bright side if the leak is at the input shaft where the propeller shaft connects. That seal should be replaceable with the diff on the V. The output or drive shaft seals normally require that the diff be removed. :eek: I'm not sure on the '06. One of several things could be leaking. 1) the input shaft discussed above. 2) the front pump where it mates to the rear pump. That is a lot more work but it might be able to be done on the car too. Once again I am not sure. 3) The oil might be coming from the engine? This is not likely but you had better make sure. 4) the vent should be checked to make sure it is not blocked and 5) that the fluid level is not too high or overfull.

The first thing I would do is 5) then 4) and 3). Then figure out if it is leaking at 1) or 2).

Then I would bring it to the dealer since it is under warranty knowing well were the leak is. That way they cannot snow you. Rear diffs are extremely expensive and you must be running out of warranty and time. Do not screw with it. Get it fixed ASAP.

If you have faith and confidence in your dealer just bring it in and do not mess with it.

That is what I would do.

-Rg

And by the way as mentioned in post #4 propeller shaft vibrations can wipe out the input shaft seal. And even the input shaft bearing if the vibration is bad enough!

The driveshaft needs to be thoroughly inspected or the seal might just end up leaking again.

Do not sweat it. These thing happen particularly if the vehicle has been abused in a lot of sand and mud. Well I call it abuse, others call it play! :D

Lets just call it rougher than normal use. A lot of CR-Vs never go in sandy or muddy trails.

-Rg

first update. They found one of the screws that was just a tad bit loose. They think that it was leaking just enought around that to be noticed. THey cleaned it and I am going back next weekend to see if it is steal leaking.

IT was leaking out of a screw? Do they mean the fill and drain plugs? A screw seems a little out of possiblity... but it could happen I guess, I haven't looked inside the diff to see if the mounting screws are inside the case hollow, but I'd assume they wouldn't be.

They replaced the front diff o-rings, they were not leaking alot but since it's all covered by my warranty I went ahead and had them do it.