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SUVs Honda CR-V Honda CR-V Rear Differential Problem?
392 messages, Last post on Nov 13, 2009 at 11:34 AM
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We have the opportunity to purchase a 2005 CRV EX with only 29K miles on it at a very good price. The ownership record is as good as one could ask for (one owner, purchased/serviced regularly and traded in for the newest same model all at the same dealership from which we're looking to purchase). I had seen the Consumer Reports ding on the '05/'06 and began investigations which led me to this thread. :-} I've read each and every post to date. I'm naturally inclined to lean toward the group that views this as a maintenance issue realizing we need to change the differential fluid more often than the manual may state. My husband is a most competent DIYer. Is the fluid change/clutch burnishing something he should be able to contend with himself? My biggest concern there is his time. It is valuable to us and we'd need to decide, based on time required, whether it's worth it to take it in to the dealership to do. Past that, I guess I'm just looking for a bit more peace of mind since I have just read through all the posts (good and the bad). This car will be for our teen driver (who has learned to drive on our Tundra and Sienna so the size of this vehicle is not an issue). We shopped primarily for VSC and our journey has led us to this car which is being "certified" (7 yr/100,000mi power train warranty) in the Honda shop Monday. We're to test drive it Tuesday am after the certification process and detailing are complete. Meanwhile, my sister in law test drove it yesterday. (The dealership is out of town from us but where she lives). She noted an intermittent noise that seemed to emit from the front left tire at around 40 mph but nothing like what has been described in this thread that others have experienced with their rear differential. The salesman informed me that, due to the already terrific price on the vehicle, if it needs new tires (he also heard the noise and suspects possible steel belt breakage in the tire) we would need to fund them. We're fine with that (unless, of course, the problem is traced to the rear differential issue). I'll be calling them first thing tomorrow morning to share with them what I've learned and to make sure that that aspect (RD) of this car is thoroughly evaluated. Is there anything in particular you'd recommend I say? Past that, with reason, please share your thoughts on the reliability/serviceability of this particular car for our teen driver. (I'm sure there will be a few in this thread who would respond with something to the effect "No way, Jose!" because of your individual issues with your car). I'm looking for a more general consensus based on the history of the car over all rather than an isolated incident here or there. We aim to purchase something for her that will see her through college and would buy new, if necessary, to have a car with the VSC. Meanwhile, we found this one and it has look really good to us thus far, primarily because of the ownership record and the low mileage. Thanks in advance.
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Replying to: scrapperanne (Jul 12, 2009 8:37 am) |
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Replying to: scrapperanne (Jul 12, 2009 8:55 am) If you read the technical bulletin, you will see that the car has to be lifted on a lift and left to run for 10 minutes before the fluid is changed again. I don't know how much equipment your husband has, but this is (in my book) a bit beyond a DIY job. Francis
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Replying to: Francisder (Jul 12, 2009 9:13 am) |
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Replying to: scrapperanne (Jul 12, 2009 8:55 am) My dealer told me that the rear diff needs to be changed approximately every 15K miles. Now, given that I've put 50,000 miles on my car in the last 6 years, I don't drive it all that much. I've had my rear diff changed twice and it's due again. I live in Ohio, it runs me about $120 to have done and I wait for it. I've done normal maintenance on my car over the last six years, timing belt change, new clutch, oil changes, etc. and this CRV is absolutely the best car I've had to date hands down (I've had Toyotas and other Hondas as well). I think especially for a teen, this will be a great vehicle in good weather and bad - I have a 16 yo son who is learning to drive now, although isn't able to drive my 5 speed yet, but I wouldn't hesitate to get him the same thing. Good luck with the test drive - I would ask the dealer to make sure the rear diff is changed before you do take it - when I first bought mine (out of state), they told me it was the brakes, which I had replaced at that time. The rear diff is an easy fix.
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Replying to: 2001hondacrv (Jul 12, 2009 9:43 am) 
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Replying to: scrapperanne (Jul 12, 2009 9:47 am) I change our rear diff fluid in our CRV every 30K and that's probably overkill. If you had read the fourms before you bought your Sienna, you probably wouldn't have bought it! Some V-6 Toyotas had problems with their oil sludging up and ruining the engines. The forums made it sound like EVERY Sienna was doomed to premature failure but as a percentage, very few were affected. The people who had the problems wee the people who stretched out their oil changes too long. I suppose if Sienna owners read these tales of sludge it may have led them to rethink their oil change schedule.
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Replying to: isellhondas (Jul 12, 2009 1:42 pm)  ) Actually, I've purchased two, new since 2001 and my first one (sold to my sister) is going strong as well. 
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Replying to: scrapperanne (Jul 13, 2009 5:21 am) V-6 Toyota engines probably are more sensitive to lack of oil changes than some other cars and people who skimp on oil changes end up with sludged engines. For people like you and me and most others, there would never be a problem. |
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Replying to: scrapperanne (Jul 12, 2009 8:37 am) I have yet to have to burnish the clutches. It is only needed when the noise is persistent. A simple fluid change is all it needs. Use Honda DPF od DPFII, there is no aftermarket alternative. Also, if the vehicle you are looking at is automatic, change the ATF as well. Use Honda ATF Z-1 only, there is no substitute. Brake fluid needs to be changed every 3 years, regardless of mileage. You can use Honda DOT3, or quality DOT 3 fluid. I prefer using Honda fluids in all of my Hondas. I do all my own maintenance, it is not difficult. A couple of jackstands, an SUV jack and a set of tools is all one would need. Helm Inc publishes the official shop manual for Honda, and sells them to the public. It is great for DIYer!!!! It has all the specs and detailed diagrams. If the CR-V you are looking at has the original Dueler H/T tires they are way past their useful life. When looking at tires, you should buy all 4 at the same time, as the AWD system is activated by the difference in rotation velocity between front and rear wheel. Different tires may or may not set it off and cause binding, overheating, and/or failure. I am just curious what you would consider a good deal on a 2005 CR-V EX AWD (I would assume) with 29,000 miles? |
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