2006 Honda CRV Rear Differential

SHAMSKY

MEMBER
2006 HONDA CRV
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

My CRV has been making a clicking/grinding noise when I turn at low speeds. I mentioned this to the dealer when I brought it in for the 60,000mile tune up. They told me that my rear differential needed to be burnished. What does that mean, and does that sound like it could be what is causing the noise?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi shamsky,

A TSB was issued ont the problem and here is part of the the TSB explaning how burnishing is done.

REPAIR PROCEDURE: 2005-07 MODELS
1. Replace the rear differential fluid:

"� Refer to the Rear Differential section of the appropriate service manual, or
"� Online, enter keywords REAR DIFF, and select
Rear Differential Fluid Inspection and Replacement (4WD) from the list.

2. Raise the vehicle on a lift until all four wheels are completely off the ground and can rotate freely.

3. Start the engine, and let it idle until the radiator fan cycles on and off twice.

4. Turn off the VSA.

5. Burnish the rear differential clutches:

Automatic transmission models -

"� Set the parking brake, and shift the transmission to R. Let the engine idle for 5 minutes.
"� Shift the transmission to D. Release the parking brake, and keep the wheel speed at 10 mph for 5 minutes.
"� Apply the brakes to stop the wheels, repeat the bulleted steps one more time, then go to step 6.

Manual transmission models -

"� With the engine idling and the parking brake released, shift the transmission into 1st, release the clutch, then keep the wheel speed at 20 mph for 5 minutes.
"� Disengage the clutch, and apply the brakes to stop the wheels. Shift the transmission into reverse, release the clutch, then keep the wheel speed at 10 mph for 5 minutes.
"� Shift the transmission into neutral, then apply the brakes to stop the wheels.
"� Repeat the bulleted steps one more time, then go to step 6.

6. Shift the transmission to P (A/T) or neutral (M/T), and turn off the engine.

7. Let the rear differential cool for 10 minutes.

8. Replace the rear differential fluid:

"� Refer to the Rear Differential section of the appropriate service manual, or
"� Online, enter keywords REAR DIFF and select Rear Differential Fluid Inspection and Replacement (4WD) from the list.

9 To confirm the repair, test-drive the vehicle for 2 miles, making as many turns as possible (at least 20). If the noise is still there, repeat steps 2 thru 9.