Drivetrain - Rear Differential Noise/Judder On Turns
04-023August 8, 2008
Applies To:
2001-06 MDX - ALL
Noise and Judder From the Rear When Turning
(Supersedes 04-023, dated April 25, 2006, to update the information marked by asterisks)
SYMPTOM
There is a noise and a judder from the rear when turning.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The VTM-4 differential fluid is contaminated by clutch wear, condensation, or both. This causes the VTM-4 differential clutches to make noise and to judder when turning.
*NOTE:
Worn VTM-4 fluid that has not been replaced at the recommended service intervals can cause the same condition. Check if the VTM-4 fluid has been replaced at the recommended intervals. If it has not been replaced at the recommended intervals, the procedure in this bulletin applies, but it is not covered under warranty; preventive maintenance is not a warrantable item.*
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the VTM-4 differential fluid.
PARTS INFORMATION
Drain Plug Washer (18 mm, drain plug sealing washer):
P/N 90471-PX4-000
Drain Plug Washer (20 mm, filler plug sealing washer):
P/N 94109-20000
NOTE:
Some early models may use two 20 mm sealing washers. Order P/N 94109-20000 for those models.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
VTM-4 Differential Fluid (5.6 quarts required):
P/N 08200-9003
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 219006
Flat Rate Time: 0.9 hour (includes diagnosis and repair)
Failed Part: P/N 41200-PGJ-315
Defect Code: 08103
Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
Do 10 figure-eight patterns with the steering wheel at full lock. Listen for a noise or feel for a judder. Accelerate at the start of each circle to make sure the clutches engage and disengage. Do not use the VTM-4 LOCK button.
NOTE:
As an alternative to doing figure-eight patterns, you may do 10 circles to the left and 10 circles to the right.
^ If you can hear the noise or feel the judder, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
^ If you cannot hear the noise or feel the judder, continue with normal troubleshooting.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. With the engine off, raise the vehicle on a lift in a level position.
2. Remove the differential filler plug and its sealing washer. Save the sealing washer.
3. Remove the differential drain plug and its sealing washer to drain the VTM-4 differential fluid. Save the sealing washer.
NOTE:
The drained fluid should look red. If it looks pink, it means water entered the VTM-4 differential through the vent tube breather in the rear subframe. This can happen after launching a boat or driving through water deep enough to cover the tires. If the fluid looks pink, replacing the fluid may not get rid of the noise and judder.
4. Clean the drain plug, then reinstall it with the sealing washer you saved in step 3. Torque the drain plug to 47 N.m (35 lb-ft).
5. Fill the differential with VTM-4 differential fluid until the fluid level reaches the bottom of the filler hole.
NOTE:
^ To avoid contamination, always fill from an unopened VTM-4 fluid container.
* ^ Always use a dedicated hand-operated fluid pump to fill the differential. Use fluid pump P/N 07MK-PGJA20, or a commercially available fluid pump. Never use a pump driven by compressed air.*
6. Reinstall the filler plug with the sealing washer you saved in step 2. Torque the filler plug to 47 N.m (35 lb-ft).
7. Drive the vehicle in a figure-eight pattern with the steering wheel at full lock. Accelerate at the start of each circle to ensure the clutches engage and disengage. Complete at least 10 patterns.
8. With the engine off, raise the vehicle on a lift in a level position.
9. Remove the filler plug and its sealing washer. Discard the sealing washer.
10. Remove the drain plug and its sealing washer to drain the VTM-4 differential fluid. Discard the sealing washer.
11. Clean the drain plug, then reinstall it with a new 18 mm sealing washer. Torque the drain plug to 47 N.m (35 lb-ft).
NOTE:
Some early models may use a 20 mm sealing washer.
12. Fill the differential with VTM-4 differential fluid until the fluid level reaches the bottom of the filler hole.
13. Reinstall the filler plug with a new 20 mm sealing washer. Torque the filler plug to 47 N.m (35 lb-ft).
14. Test-drive the vehicle in a figure-eight pattern to make sure the noise and judder are gone. Accelerate at the start of each circle to ensure the clutches engage and disengage.
NOTE:
You may need to do up to 10 patterns to get rid of the noise and judder.
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