2017~2025 CX-5 Rear Differential Failure

[stickerbush]

It’s interesting to note that the Subaru Forester couldn’t make it up the dirt incline.

Neither could the CR-V or the RAV4. The CX5 did pretty well all things considered.

 

[N7turbo]

It's also interesting that Mazda never makes much fanfare about their vehicle's capabilities.

 

[CrazyHippie]

It's also interesting that Mazda never makes much fanfare about their vehicle's capabilities.

My new 2025 CX-5 PP (non-turbo) may very well be the best value in a compact SUV on the market today. The features and design are well engineered and the price point is very good. Luxury-ish SUV for a non-luxury price. The jury is out on dependability - hopefully not too good to be true!

 

[AL Cx5]

My new 2025 CX-5 PP (non-turbo) may very well be the best value in a compact SUV on the market today. The features and design are well engineered and the price point is very good. Luxury-ish SUV for a non-luxury price. The jury is out on dependability - hopefully not too good to be true!

Like you, we will see. Our 2024 turbo has been not been back to the dealership since drove it off the lot.

This forum is priceless with info like change the differential and trans fluids. As mentioned, these two items are on our 30,000 mile preventive maintenance list.

Today, I'll check the fluid level in the rear differential. I'll continue to check the level every tire rotation.

 

[AL Cx5]

I checked the rear diff fluid level. I made a "level gauge" from a coat hanger.

Level, cold, was about 16mm below the fill port. I noted in my maintenance log the level. It's good maintenance practice to check diffs on trucks. I'll be keeping notes on the CX5 fluid level. It look clear and smelled fresh, if diff fluid ever smells fresh. LOL

I was amused to see a 24mm bolt heads to secure the fill and drain ports on this tiny, aluminum differential. It looks comical to see these oversize bolts on this tiny almost toy like, differential. Totally not needed. Mazda continues to surprise me with their OCD fasteners, wiring and wiring supports. I hope they were equally OCD with the design and metallurgy for the diff gears, axels, case and CV joints.

I WON'T be taking the CX 5 to the dragstrip or autocross tracks. I think one good launch with a turbo ECU tune, this toy diff might split in half. I've seen REAL aluminum diffs split and spill their guts on the track too many times to chance this toy.

EDIT: I found Mazda's recommend diff level. Mine is LOW! I'll be topping it off with 80W-90 Mazda diff fluid VERY soon.

I strongly suggest folks to own a 24mm box wrench and check their diff fluid or have it checked and topped off...yikes

Mazda CX-5 Service & Repair Manual - Differential Oil Replacement - Differentials

 

[BoomerZoomr]

I was amused to see a 24mm bolt heads to secure the fill and drain ports on this tiny, aluminum differential. It looks comical to see these oversize bolts on this tiny almost toy like, differential. Totally not needed. Mazda continues to surprise me with their OCD fasteners, wiring and wiring supports. I hope they were equally OCD with the design and metallurgy for the diff gears, axels, case and CV joints.

I am thinking maybe Mazda used this size fill/drain plug so a mechanic could use their finger to check the oil level and condition. Probably helps with using plastic tubing to refill as well.

 

[AL Cx5]

I am thinking maybe Mazda used this size fill/drain plug so a mechanic could use their finger to check the oil level and condition. Probably helps with using plastic tubing to refill as well.

I hope they have a reason. On my domestic 2500 pickup, I can stick my finger in the hole and check the level. But it's out in the open.

I see that the level is suppose to be at the fill hole. I've ordered Mazda fluid and a fill pump today. I'm not taking any chances the fluid is low and kills this diff.

It only holds .45l or .40 quarts. As a reference the domestic 2500 series diff holds 3 quarts! There is not much margin for error with low fluid level on this Mazda diff!

 

[sm1ke]

I checked the rear diff fluid level. I made a "level gauge" from a coat hanger.

Level, cold, was about 16mm below the fill port. I noted in my maintenance log the level. It's good maintenance practice to check diffs on trucks. I'll be keeping notes on the CX5 fluid level. It look clear and smelled fresh, if diff fluid ever smells fresh. LOL

I was amused to see a 24mm bolt heads to secure the fill and drain ports on this tiny, aluminum differential. It looks comical to see these oversize bolts on this tiny almost toy like, differential. Totally not needed. Mazda continues to surprise me with their OCD fasteners, wiring and wiring supports. I hope they were equally OCD with the design and metallurgy for the diff gears, axels, case and CV joints.

I WON'T be taking the CX 5 to the dragstrip or autocross tracks. I think one good launch with a turbo ECU tune, this toy diff might split in half. I've seen REAL aluminum diffs split and spill their guts on the track too many times to chance this toy.

EDIT: I found Mazda's recommend diff level. Mine is LOW! I'll be topping it off with 80W-90 Mazda diff fluid VERY soon.

I strongly suggest folks to own a 24mm box wrench and check their diff fluid or have it checked and topped off...yikes

Mazda CX-5 Service & Repair Manual - Differential Oil Replacement - Differentials

Just a note, for your CX-5, the recommended rear diff oil should be Mazda Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 - SAE 75W-85, API GL-4. Part number 0000-77-SG1-QT. I believe they changed the spec back in 2016. You can confirm in your owner's manual.

 

[AL Cx5]

Just a note, for your CX-5, the recommended rear diff oil should be Mazda Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 - SAE 75W-85, API GL-4. Part number 0000-77-SG1-QT. I believe they changed the spec back in 2016. You can confirm in your owner's manual.

View attachment 379126

Thanks!!

I'll check my OM in the future!!!

Reading my OM, transfer case turbo holds 0.4 quarts, NA holds 0.45 quarts. Anyone want to educate me on the difference in the two transfer cases?

AND I'm checking the fluid level in the transfer case when I get a quart of Hypoid Gear Oil SG1. All of this before we leave on a trip over Thanksgiving...

 

[nickswhip24]

Thanks!!

I'll check my OM in the future!!!

Reading my OM, transfer case turbo holds 0.4 quarts, NA holds 0.45 quarts. Anyone want to educate me on the difference in the two transfer cases?

AND I'm checking the fluid level in the transfer case when I get a quart of Hypoid Gear Oil SG1. All of this before we leave on a trip over Thanksgiving...

just fill till it starts dripping out,differences...dunno
1 quart should do both diffs

 

[AL Cx5]

just fill till it starts dripping out,differences...dunno
1 quart should do both diffs

Got it, I was wondering/hoping that Mazda beefed up the transfer case gears/axles over the NA.

We have a mild tune in the car that woke up this little turbo and about to step up to a Tier 2 tune. I hope it doesn't scare my wife when she drives it....

Neither of these gear cases inspire confidence I can really beat on this car. That's just fine, that was NEVER the intention...