2004 Honda CRV Noisy Front Differential

redhelpmenow · Posted at Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:07 am

Transmission problem
2004 Honda CRV 4 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual 41000 miles

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 ?

Service Writer · Posted at Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:31 am

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.