Honda CRV - possible steering issue

Hermy · 23-09-2011 6:37pm #1

I'm looking after my brothers CRV while he's away and I've noticed that when maneuvering on full lock there's a very noticeable vibration. Is this normal in a four wheel drive car or is it a sign of a cv or a wheel bearing on the way out?

101sean · 23-09-2011 7:27pm

It could be down to the 4wd system locking up, I think it has an automatic 4wd that cuts in if there is a big speed differential between front and back axles, there will be on full lock so is possible normal, Freelander 1 does something similar, esp in reverse. It feels like kick back through the steering. Does it do it at any other time or are there any funny wear patterns on the front tyres?

If it was a CV joint it would be more likely to knock on full lock and a bearing would rumble all the time.

Hermy · 23-09-2011 7:46pm

Thanks Sean. That sounds about right. It feels like a wobble you'd get at speed if you had a puncture or a wheel that needs balancing but it's happening at low speeds like when I'm parking. And I shouldn't have mentioned the cv as the usually rattly sound isn't there.

gibbon75 · 23-09-2011 9:03pm

Hermy,

The CR-V has a clutch type rear diff and moisture can build up in the diff fluid: this can cause a judder at slow speeds.
The diff needs to be flushed in order to get rid of this.
All you need is 3 liters of Honda DPS fluid (about €7 per liter) and a ramp (or axle stands).
Warm up the car,then drain the diff and fill it up with fresh fluid (it takes 1 liter).
Run it in 5th gear for 15 minutes on a ramp,than drain it again and fill it up.
Repeat the above again and after the 3rd refill it should be sorted.

101sean · 23-09-2011 9:24pm

Jumped in too soon

Knew I should have left it a while and someone would come along with experience of the CRV

gibbon75 · 24-09-2011 6:39pm

101sean wrote: »

Jumped in too soon

Knew I should have left it a while and someone would come along with experience of the CRV

In fairness this is the only "issue" with CR-Vs,but it is cheap to sort it out,unlike the Freelander ones

Hermy · 25-09-2011 11:32am

Thanks very much gibbon.
Is this something a jack-of-all-trades like myself can do in the driveway or is it worth going to someone with the proper equipment to lift the four wheels off the ground?

gibbon75 · 26-09-2011 8:26pm

I don't see why it couldn't be done on axle stands,but obviously it would be a lot more comfy on a ramp.

You can find written and video guides as well,but these guides leave out the most important step,which is to fill up the diff two times and run it in gear for approx. 15 minutes.

Here is a good guide with pictures :

http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6585

Honda CRV - possible steering issue

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