# CRV differential **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** cr-v, honda\ **Created:** [October 13, 2009, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052 "2009-10-13T17:11:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![adn5ckmn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e5b9ba/32.png) [@adn5ckmn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adn5ckmn)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2009, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/1 "2009-10-13T17:11:00Z")
Would a change in the differential oil cause the differntial to begin making noise? I have a 1999 CRV with 113,000 miles. I just had routine maintenance done which included among other things, an oil change, tire rotation, and differential oil change. Immediately after the work was completed the car began making a grinding/shuddering noise whenever the wheels make a tight (90 degree or more) turn, left or right. I never had this problem before the maintenance. The mechanic tells me it is the rear differential problem common to CRVs. But why would the differential oil change cause the problem? Is it possible that something else is wrong? ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/2 "2009-10-13T17:16:48Z")
The differential may require very specific oil(Honda special spec) to be used. Verify with mechanic what was used. ---
**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/3 "2009-10-13T17:31:51Z")
Was this the first time the differential oil was replaced? Did they use “Honda” differential oil? ---
**Author:** ![hd72mm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/9fc29f/32.png) [@hd72mm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hd72mm)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2009, 7:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/4 "2009-10-13T19:34:05Z")
You must use honda fluid and yes it will make noise you are talking about. Only way to fix is redo fluid change with honda fluid. Also you MUST use correct antifreeze or it will jell and over heat. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/48514_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/5 "2009-10-13T19:56:10Z")
To be more specific, your vehicle requires _genuine_ Honda Dual Pump Fluid. If your mechanic did not use this, then he is the source of your problem. Independent mechanics are certainly cheaper than dealerships, but some of them are not much of a bargain. ---
**Author:** ![adn5ckmn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e5b9ba/32.png) [@adn5ckmn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/adn5ckmn)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2009, 10:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/6 "2009-10-13T22:06:02Z")
Thank you. I checked with the mechanic and he did use Honda brand differential fluid. He thought that the noise might decrease as the fluid got into the system, which I hope is the case. ---
**Author:** ![JoeMario](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3bc359/32.png) [@JoeMario](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JoeMario)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2009, 12:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crv-differential/38052/7 "2009-10-14T00:57:32Z")
> He thought that the noise might decrease as the fluid got > into the system, which I hope is the case. When I hear a mechanic give an answer like that, it tells me doesn’t understand what is happening. Differential fluid gets into all the right places virtually “immediately”.