CX5 Wading depth

[ancolx]

What do you guys think of the wading capability of CX5?

 

[Chocolate]

Not bad! The CX doesn't have the ground clearance, low range, or locking diffs to be a true off road vehicle, but enough for light duty. (Off road, 40k+ trim would be an obvious expansion to the range). Video description says 1.5" lift - what kind of setup?

 

[ALafya]

Brave soul!
Better change rear diff oil now (see owner's manual).

 

[ancolx]

Not bad! The CX doesn't have the ground clearance, low range, or locking diffs to be a true off road vehicle, but enough for light duty. (Off road, 40k+ trim would be an obvious expansion to the range). Video description says 1.5" lift - what kind of setup?

1.5" Lift with spacers (front strut spacers and rear spring spacers with shock extenders)
235/55r19 All-terrain tire.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

I personally don't consider the CX-5 an off-road vehicle at all. Should be able to do some light duty stuff, but I wouldn't be wading in water as deep as that video. Likely to ruin the rear diff.

I believe Unobtanium had to replace his rear diff on his old 2015 due to flooding if I recall, not sure how deep though.

 

[Chocolate]

CVs will probably wear out faster. Still, might not matter too much if you're getting rid of it before 60-75,000 miles, or don't mind replacing them. I do wonder how well the rear differential cover is sealed. The nice thing is the capacity of the diff is so small it doesn't cost much to change it out.

No reason the CX platform couldn't be turned into a light offroader with the proper equipment and R&D.

Any pics of this setup from the side?

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

Ask Unobtanium . That cx5s diff got submerged, and if he is unlucky water inside may FUBAR it.

 

[Chocolate]

Ask Unobtanium . That cx5s diff got submerged, and if he is unlucky water inside may FUBAR it.

Yeah, a change would be cheap insurance. Even if you used non-Mazda oil. Only way to know if there's a much more expensive future problem, and you'd know for future water crossings
Does the 2nd gen CX have a different differential design than the 1st gen?
Also, how long was Unobtanium's rear diff under water? Are we talking a flood or brief water crossing?

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Also, how long was Unobtanium's rear diff under water? Are we talking a flood or brief water crossing?

I don't remember. Maybe Uno will see this thread.

 

[erhayes]

I've taken my Touring over the bottom edge of the doors several times. Driving slowly through flooded streets. Ed

 

[40752]

Heck I don’t even like taking mine out of the garage in the rain

 

[Avoidin Deer]

That's like riding a Honda Gold Wing and following a Husqvarna off-road.

 

[Avoidin Deer]

Yeah, a change would be cheap insurance. Even if you used non-Mazda oil. Only way to know if there's a much more expensive future problem, and you'd know for future water crossings
Does the 2nd gen CX have a different differential design than the 1st gen?
Also, how long was Unobtanium's rear diff under water? Are we talking a flood or brief water crossing?

Just to add some specifics, my manual says:

If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.

"Submerged" still leaves some wiggle room. Dunk ≠ Soak

I wonder how many people replace their differential oil after going through deep standing water. Probably less than 1%. I'm not certain it would have occured to me. It will now.

 

[MyFirstMazda]

Heck I don’t even like taking mine out of the garage in the rain

Me either. And I brake for puddles and avoid puddles in the road if I am able to.

 

[ancolx]

CVs will probably wear out faster. Still, might not matter too much if you're getting rid of it before 60-75,000 miles, or don't mind replacing them. I do wonder how well the rear differential cover is sealed. The nice thing is the capacity of the diff is so small it doesn't cost much to change it out.

No reason the CX platform couldn't be turned into a light offroader with the proper equipment and R&D.

Any pics of this setup from the side?

 

[Pitter]

I can see doing what he did in the video if trapped by high water and wanting to get out but I'd certainly take the car to Mazda the next day. Haven't seen the underneath, is the drain plug easy to get to? I had to drive my father's '78 Olds 88 through a flooded arroyo in Arizona once after a night of heavy rain. I told him but don't know if he had it serviced or not.

 

[NucPC]

What do you guys think of the wading capability of CX5?

Pretty cool. Thanks for posting it.

 

[yrwei52]

CVs will probably wear out faster. Still, might not matter too much if you're getting rid of it before 60-75,000 miles, or don't mind replacing them. I do wonder how well the rear differential cover is sealed. The nice thing is the capacity of the diff is so small it doesn't cost much to change it out.

No reason the CX platform couldn't be turned into a light offroader with the proper equipment and R&D.

Any pics of this setup from the side?

The rear differential on CX-5 is not sealed and there’s a vent on top of it with a long tubing and a check valve goes to the rear bumper area.

As for gear lube capacity for the rear differential the spec says it’s 0.37 quart on gen-2 CX-5, but I wouldn’t surprised it actually needs 0.8 quart. And the Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 specified for the rear differential is quite expensive.

 

[Avoidin Deer]

And the Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1 specified for the rear differential is quite expensive.

Just about $25 per quart.

 

[Unobtanium]

I personally don't consider the CX-5 an off-road vehicle at all. Should be able to do some light duty stuff, but I wouldn't be wading in water as deep as that video. Likely to ruin the rear diff.

I believe Unobtanium had to replace his rear diff on his old 2015 due to flooding if I recall, not sure how deep though.

Not deep enough to make me close the door doing it. However, I did hit a bump and vehicle "slapped down", so depth may have been less the issue than dynamics. ALso, yes, $2700. Mazda took care of it for me. I did take my 2019 through about 8" of water the other day at about 10mph. Took it in the next morning to check all fluids. Was fine.