Dear Tom,
I own a Honda Pilot. The manufacturer recommended changing the oil at 7,500 miles. I did not follow this recommendation because I thought the manual said to change the oil at 15,000 miles. However, at about 13,000 miles the vehicle started making a heavy groaning sound (coming from the rear). It only happens when I try to move out of a parking spot at an angle. I took it to the dealer and they changed the differential oil and the problem is now gone. It’s hard to believe. What do you think?
Sydney from Newfane, N.Y.
Sydney,
I believe it. Gear oil is critical to the proper operation of lock up and limited slip differentials. When it wears out (gets contaminated with wear material or gets overheated and breaks down), differential operation will be hampered. Quite often carmakers will go to petroleum companies to engineer a fix in their fluid for a drivability problem with transmissions, gearboxes, transfer cases or differentials.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
Comments