2017~2025 CX-5 Rear Differential Failure

[CrazyHippie]

I am assuming (hoping?) that the CX-5 rear differential only gets significant power when the vehicle detects slippage from the front wheels.
The other day, I was waiting for an extended amount of time to pull out across several lanes and go left. Due to construction, there was a dusting of red clay dirt on the road. When the opportunity presented itself, I had to move quick to avoid pulling in front of someone. As I pulled out in a big arc to the left, I rolled into the gas. As soon as I felt some slippage, there was a strong push forward. I guess when the front tire slipped due to the slight turn and dusty asphalt, the clutch sent power to the rear. The additional traction was significant, and I thought about that little ring gear.

If my research is reliable, the computer monitors a bunch of sensors and constantly engages the rear wheels to optimize handling, in addition to reacting to wheel slippage.

 

[jadmt]

Front factory fill is little bit less than 400ml or 13oz.
Took aprox 450 ml (which is what the workshop manual says for front).


View attachment 381999

so it appears you were able to fill both front and rear to the brim of the inspection holes with a single qt? I am getting ready to change mine and cheaper to order than buy locally by a bunch so I don't want to only order one and be short. thanks..

 

[AL Cx5]

so it appears you were able to fill both front and rear to the brim of the inspection holes with a single qt? I am getting ready to change mine and cheaper to order than buy locally by a bunch so I don't want to only order one and be short. thanks..

1 Qt is 946 ml. I used 1 or for both diffs.

I paid $30 at the Stealership. After reading this post, I wanted to check the level and change out the fluid ASAP.

 

[AL Cx5]

Interesting Honda recommendations the same diff fluid change as Ram...I'm following this schedule.

+9



Honda CR-V rear differential fluid (AWD models) typically requires
an initial change at 15,000 miles, followed by every 30,000 miles thereafter. However, you should follow the Honda Maintenance Minder system (Code 6), which may prompt for changes sooner under severe driving conditions, such as constant mountain driving or frequent short

 

[jadmt]

1 Qt is 946 ml

yes indeed. I am wondering if cz5gt actually got to the brims with only 1 qt. as he said approximately 450mls and approximately 500mls. ie would be approximately 950mls total.. 4ml is pretty small.

 

[jadmt]

Interesting Honda recommendations the same diff fluid change as Ram...I'm following this schedule.


View attachment 382101
+9



Honda CR-V rear differential fluid (AWD models) typically requires
an initial change at 15,000 miles, followed by every 30,000 miles thereafter. However, you should follow the Honda Maintenance Minder system (Code 6), which may prompt for changes sooner under severe driving conditions, such as constant mountain driving or frequent short

I have changed many rear diffs on CRV's (my own and my daughters) and if you go my the mm code6 it is over 50,000 miles and they come out clean as can be with no fuzz on the drain plug. I changed both early instead of waiting for the mm but in reality as clean as it was there was no need. I am at 45000 miles and changing mine in the next couple days. just finished a 2500 mile road trip and half of it was in winter slush....thru Minnesota, north dakota and back home to Montana. going it was in the 70's and even lower 80's 5 days later it was winter again lol..

 

[cz5gt]

so it appears you were able to fill both front and rear to the brim of the inspection holes with a single qt? I am getting ready to change mine and cheaper to order than buy locally by a bunch so I don't want to only order one and be short. thanks..

yes 1 qt is doable but bear in mind I used a pump - some oil stays in the pump lines plus the pump cannot pull when the bottle is near empty plus there is spill when filling to the brim and the extra drips out.

I actually bought 2 bottles and used each bottle for each diff and now have leftovers

you could add aprox 450ml front and 450-460 rear (50/50). May not end up to the exact fill hole on the rear but still great than factory fill.

 

[jadmt]

yes 1 qt is doable but bear in mind I used a pump - some oil stays in the pump lines plus the pump cannot pull when the bottle is near empty plus there is spill when filling to the brim and the extra drips out.

I actually bought 2 bottles and used each bottle for each difd and now have leftovers

you could so 450 front and 450-460 rear. I think that should be ok. but wont be up to the exact hole.

thanks I will get 2 qts.. just called my local mazda and they sell a qt for $35 so not terrible and washers $3.25.

 

[cz5gt]

35.27 is the msrp some dealers give 15-20% discount when you ask. My closest didnt but another one gave discount. Had to pick in person.

btw just a note - this oil smells terrible in general, so wear a mask if you have issues with smells.

Dont forget to also wipe good the drain bolts (magnet) as it will gave black/silverish gunk on the magnetic part.
And the rear diff fill plug is in a very tight spot.

 

[jadmt]

35.27 is the msrp some dealers give 15-20% discount when you ask. My closest didnt but another one gave discount. Had to pick in person.

btw just a note - this oil smells terrible in general, so wear a mask if you have issues with smells.

I have been changing gear oil since the 70's so know the smell well. I change it in my jeep diff's every 12000 miles or so and same with my past power wagon..gear smells because of sulpher and phospherous which is why it works under gear pressure. it really is pretty amazing stuff.