Rear differential damper replacement.

The diagram should be self explanatory. you would have to jack up the vehicle to do so.

i own a 2001 crv and went to get inspected-told them i had this noise when turning..i also know i had been informed in the past to get the rear differential fluid changed at 10-12K miles...have not done so iin probably over that time period-want to know what problems will occur with the car if not changed as recommended
also, my car failed inspection-repair shop wants estimated 3K dollars to replace rear axel (2)@569.00each, rear control arm 2 @ $308 ea., bushings kit for $181. does this seem reasonable ?and especially since it is a honda...i have never seen a honda need this kind of part replacement at 150K miles...the car has not been abused and is usually maintained on schedule...please advise...and thanks

Hi rooter,

I am unable to comment on the prices but you can try replacing the differential oils, it might solve the problem of the noise. Note that replcement might have to be done 2 or 3 times to eliminate the noise and you have to use only the recommended oil.

If the other parts fails inspection due to worn bushings, you can replace the bushing instead of the arm assy but Honda don't replace bushes so you need to look elsewhere.

change the fluid and you should be fine.

as for the bushing this is called a trailing arm bushing but honda actually calls it a compensator arm bushing. honda most definetly sells the bushing separate, i stock them at my shop direct from honda.

I recently took my CRV to a tyre/wheel company to get wheel balancing checked. I also asked them to check the front wheel bearings as it sounded like they are getting a bit noisy ( best described as though road noise had increased rather than a full on hum you get with shot bearings ).

The technicians informed me the wheel bearings were fine but the noise was from the front differential and advised I pursue the problem with a gearbox specialist.

Are there any common problems that would cause excess noise on these Honda's ? It has only done 40K so I woudl expect the transmission to be pretty tough.
I have had the diff fluid changed on the rear diff. last year, is theer similar problems also on front ?

The Hondas a sensitive to fluid breakdown. I would start there and only use the honda fluid.
Differential bearings are one one more common problems associated with the front diff on these, but it doesn't mean that is your situation.
If this were mine I would absolutely use "chassis ears" to locate the source of noise to get it narrowed down as close as possible should the fluid change not help or change the noise.

I have a noise in my rear axle and tires when I am making a turn

Hi dcwagoner,

What type of noise are being emitted?

If it is groaning type at low speed full turns, get the rear axle fluids replaced. The correct type of fluid MUST be used to eliminate the noise.

I appreciate if you can let me know how much it usually costs to do a Rear Differential for a Honda CRV 2004.

Hi harilk,

There was a recall out for the rear differentials and you should check with the local dealer.

Quite often the problem is only due to bad fluids and a replacement would solve the problem. DO NOT use normal fluids, it requires a special fluid known as DPSP II

My 2004 Honda crv has a detached rear differential which is lying more than 1 inch from the bolts. My mechanic says that i caused this by going over something on the road. I this possible? Please explain


thank you

bruce hahn

Hi there,

If you hit something hard enough to shunt the rear diff in that way, you would be the first to know about it. Have a look at the diff, if it did hit something , there will be a fair witness mark on it (damage) i would be checking the mounting blots and other rear suspension bolts for tightness, Has there been any work done on the rear diff that you know about, i think it has come loose through vibration.

Mark (mhpautos)

chances are the diff fluid needs changed and the mounts replaced. the crv is famous for this. the fluid wears out and the rear diff starts "hopping" duing turns. if u catch in time you can just change the fluid.