Differential (4WD CR-V models) — removal and installation
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Place the transaxle in Neutral with the parking brake off. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
3. Mark the relationship of the driveshaft to the pinion flange, then unbolt the driveshaft from the flange (see Driveshaft (4WD CR-V models) — removal and installation). Suspend the driveshaft with a piece of wire (don’t let it hang by the center support bearing).
4. Remove both drive axles from the rear differential housing (see Driveaxles — removal and installation). There is no need to remove the outer drive axle nuts, the outer ends of the drive axles can stay in the rear hubs. Do not allow the drive axles to hang unsupported on the outer CV joints. Use a piece of wire to hold up the inner ends of the drive axles.
5. With the differential housing lowered, remove and discard the bolts that secure the upper mounting bracket to the differential
housing, remove the bracket from the housing. It may be easier to do this with the differential housing pulled out from under the vehicle.
6. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. See Driveaxles — removal and installation and note the following: Tighten all fasteners to the torque values listed in this Chapter’s Specifications. Fill the differential with the proper lubricant (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
7. Use new bolts to install the upper mount- in bracket to the differential housing.
8. Install new set-rings on the inner ends of the drive axles.
9. Lubricate the lip of the drive axle seals with multi-purpose grease before installing the drive axles. Be careful not to damage the lip of the seals.
