Question for CR-V owners

[NJGuy]

Question for those of you who own a late model CR-V...

I recently drove my mother-in-law's '07 CR-V LX 4wd. During slow speed maneuvering (parallell parking, k-turns, etc) I would hear a low-pitched humming sound. The sound was like a "rubbing" noise and it seemed to come from the rear of the vehicle. The noise only happened when the steering wheel was turned near full lock. I'm not sure what I could compare the noise to, but it sounded either like a tire rubbing the wheel well or the parking brake engaged; but I'm not sure. I wouldn't think either would be the case. The rear brakes are disc (not sure if the parking brake is a drum like in the Pilot's) and it didn't seem like there was any rolling resistance when driving; and I highly doubt any reputable automaker would allow interference with wheel travel. It also didn't seem that the noise was from the power steering since it only happened when the vehicle was rolling.

The only other source of the noise I could think of was the CR-V's Real-time 4wd system. Do any of you experience hearing a similar noise in the type of driving scenario I described? If it doesn't appear to be a common occurance, I'll have my MIL take it in for a dealer visit. She is still within the warranty period though. I'm also hoping to hear from CR-V owners from the previous generation, since they use pretty much the same 4wd system.

Thanks.

[chiph]

This is a common thing with the 3rd gen CR-V. Honda changed the design of the rear differential somewhat, and it engages much more often than it used to.

As a result, you'll go through dual-pump fluid much faster than previous generations of the CR-V.

I don't know if there's a TSB out on it, but the better dealers know about this, and will change the fluid for you for free.

The amended change interval for the rear differential fluid on the 2007+ CR-V should be 15,000 initially, then 30,000 miles thereafter. Use ONLY Honda Dual-Pump or Dual-Pump II fluid. Accept no substitutes.

The way to see if your fluid needs changing is to roll down your window and drive in a tight left-hand circle (like in a parking lot) and listen for the moaning sound. If you hear it, book your car for service. If you let it go too long you will need to have the entire differential replaced, and that's over $1400 for parts alone.

Part #3 in this image from San Leandro Honda:

http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.a...ViewParts=true


Chip H.

[NJGuy]

Thanks a bunch!

That's exactly the answer I was hoping to find (well not exactly since it seems to be a potential problem).

I'll have my MIL bring it in to the dealer to get looked at. Even if the rear differential on her CR-V had to be replaced, she's still well within the warranty period. However, it's always best to avoid that scenario to begin with.

Thanks again!

[chiph]

If you want to change it yourself, it's pretty easy. You'll need 2 bottles of Dual-Pump fluid (really, one, plus maybe a little bit of the second) and two crush washers (part #36 in the drawing). The fluid is around $17 a bottle, and the washers are less than fifty cents each. You'll also need a metric socket set and a torque wrench.

Park your CR-V on a level surface (this is important) and set the parking brake (you might think about chocking some wheels, too. Having your CR-V run over you is embarassing.)

Remove the topmost filler plug (the highest part labeled #21 on the drawing) first. Remove the lower drain plug second (the lower #21 on the drawing) This is so if the filler plug should happen to be corroded in place you aren't stuck with an empty diff. Also lets it drain faster by breaking the vacuum.

Let the old fluid drain into a container for recycling. Then using one of the new crush washers, replace the drain plug, tightening to 35 lb-ft. Fill the diff with the fresh fluid to where it just stops running out of the filler hole (this is why it's important to be on level ground). Use the other new crush washer and replace the fill plug, tightening to 35 lb-ft.

The area above the diff by the fill hole can be difficult to get to. There are two general ways to get the fluid in:
1. A large syringe, like from a medical supply firm. Slow, but sure.
2. A (clean!) ketchup squeeze bottle (like from a diner, not the store Heinz bottle). Slightly messier, and you might have to crack open the second bottle of fluid.

Some people have had success running a hose out to by the rear wheel. I think that method is a little trickier, as you have excess fluid in the hose that will either not make it into the diff, or will overflow & spill down the side of it, making a big mess.

Hope this helps.
Chip H.

[NJGuy]

Thanks for the additional info, I really appreciate it.

The procedure for changing the dual pump fluid sounds similar to changing the VTM-4 fluid in the Pilot. As much as I like to play around with cars and save people a couple of bucks, I think it'll be best if I have the dealer take care of the issue. Like you said, there is a possibility that they might perform the service for free. If not, it's okay because my MIL doesn't mind too much paying to have her car serviced by a "professional" (I'd say I am less than an amateur ). Also, as easy as the fluid change sounds my wife would almost murder me if I made a small mistake on her Mom's car that turned into a huge problem.

I'll keep your advice in mind if for some reason in the future I'd be the one to change the fluid.

[Sportymonk]

Hey, don't forget to let us know how this comes out and what the dealer says, inquiring minds want to know!! (Snoopy ones too )

[NJGuy]

Originally posted by Sportymonk
Hey, don't forget to let us know how this comes out and what the dealer says, inquiring minds want to know!! (Snoopy ones too )

For the inquiring (and Snoopy) minds...

We took the CR-V to the dealer on Friday morning. The service writer already knew what the issue was and confirmed what chiph previously posted. He told me that on the new model CR-Vs, the dual pump fluid factory fill was breaking down prematurely. He said that Honda has come out with an updated dual pump fluid that's pretty much the same as the VTM-4 fluid.

I guess with it being Halloween, they weren't all that busy. They finished the fluid change before my daughter's Halloween parade at school started in the morning. My wife and I picked the car up after the party around noon. There was no charge, as the fluid change was covered under warranty. I drove the car later on and the noise was gone.

Even though this is a Pilot forum, I'm very appreciative of the fact that I was able to get some help and advice on another vehicle.

[chiph]

Glad I could help.


Chip H.