7

A few months ago I've bought a 2009 Honda CR-V and took it to the official dealer for a check. They told me that some fluids (power steering, brake and rear differential) are "dis-color" and need to be changed ASAP (flushed).

Now I have two questions:

  1. Could you tell me how can I check myself if these fluids really need to be changed?
  2. What are the reasons that these fluids need to be changed except of leaking? AFAIK these systems are sealed.

I found the answer about brake fluid here.

So I need explanation only about power steering and rear differential fluids.

2 Answers 2

5

When buying a used car it's usually a good idea to change all fluids, just so you know exactly when they were changed, and can start your own fresh service history. This may be part of the reason why the dealer recommended these services.

Like almost any other fluid used in a car, time, environment, and use will eventually cause degradation and decreased performance. Over time, the chemicals in the fluid will break down, usually not to point that it cannot do it's job, but to the point that it becomes less effective.

Power steering fluid does not typically see excessive heat depending on the reservoirs/fluid lines location in the engine bay, but it serves both to actuate the hydraulic steering, and cool the power steering pump. Over time, the fluid can degrade, and although it is a closed system, any exposure to heat or moisture will eventually diminish its performance. Either way, the PS fluid is the cheapest and easiest part of the PS system to replace, so it's a good idea to change the fluid as preventative maintenance. When the PS fluid becomes dark/discolored (as pictured below), it's time to change it.

enter image description here

The rear differential is a much simpler 'oil bath' type of system, but the spinning gears/driveshafts create considerable amounts of heat, and over time cause the oil to break down. It's difficult to tell when the diff fluid needs to be changed, as it becomes discolored almost immediately after the vehicle gets up to speed. If you hear any abnormal whining or whirring noises from the diff, it definitely needs changing. If you put a magnet in the fluid and find metal flakes it probably needs changing, otherwise I would replace it when you first buy the car, then stick to factory prescribed service intervals.

0
1

Todays cars are so much more complex then older cars.
Your CRV rear differential like so many newer cars is not just a simple ring and pinion gear set.
The Honda uses "Dual Pump Fluid II" this is do to the clutches that are in the differential.
I would buy the Honda fluid recommended, unless you can find a 3rd party manufacture who meets exact spec number substitute.
This has to do with friction modifiers specific for parts used in the differential.

Honda has recommended differential fluid to be changed every 30K. Changing is a do it yourself item, pretty much pull the plugs, drain, inspect, new plug washers, refill. Should be about two quarts.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .