I have a 2005 CRV AWD with 70,000 miles. Rear diff is offensively loud. Happened before two years ago so drained and filled and all ok. Not so this time, did 4 drain and fills later with Honda Dual Pump Fluid II and still loud.

So a few questions for the infinite wisdom of this forum

1. How much fluid does the rear diff take? My Haynes manual says 1.4 litres for the 2005 and 1.1 litres for the 2002 to 2004. Since I have a 2005, I put in 1.4 litres, but the two Honda dealers near me say only to put 1.1 litre. Any thoughts on this?

2. Bought $100 bucks worth of fluid from Honda so the service advisor saw that and gave me a tip to run my CRV in a tight reverse for several minutes so that the diff engages and spits out all the little bits into the oil. I did all that and still very loud even after the 4th flush.

Any other ideas that may help?

 

I have been out of the repair business for a couple years now so it's all a little foggy, but I seem to recall an issue with those and the fix was change the fluid and drive in a very tight circle to work the diff, then repeat another time or two. Kinda sounds like you already did that. It's probably time for a diff rebuild.

 

When that happens to my 2002 CR-V, I have the dealer 'burnish' the rear differential. It costs $159 and lasts for about 1.5 years, though that may vary depending upon mileage. I've had it done twice in three years. I resorted to the service because fluid changing and driving in a tight circle didn't have much of an effect on my differential noise.

 

Any thoughts on what would happens if it fails completely? Would it just lock up, or would it just fail to engage the rear wheels in 4WD?

I don't want to give up my honda as that is the only problem I have so I don't mind shutting it down for winter, purchase a new differential and attempt to change it myself. I have time on my side and don't mind giving it a go if that is what it takes.

 

Was doing some research and was wondering if it could be the rear wheel bearing? I guess I could look into that too. Any info on how to change it on a 2005 AWD if that is the problem?

 

OK, I ran some of my own tests just now and concluded it's the driver's side rear bearing. So, I'm going to run a search for a good quality bearing as Honda here wants $149 for theirs, which didn't even last long.