Fluid leak from suspension member behind rear differential
04-16-2013, 12:39 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Fluid leak from suspension member behind rear differential
I have 06 RL with rear differential fluid dripping from the suspension member which is behind the differential. I see NO fluid on the exterior of the differential. Nothing dripping from it nor any on the sides. I see a small black piece of tubing that seems to go into the suspension member from the differential area (not sure where it comes from). Is there a vent that could be allowing differential fluid to escape from the differential and flow into that suspenaion member?
04-16-2013, 12:42 PM
#2
Senior Moderator
Pics? When was the diff fluid last changed?
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oo7spy (04-17-2013)
04-17-2013, 10:57 AM
#5
Senior Moderator
I can't imagine how you can over fill it. The way to tell it's full is when it starts pouring out of the fill hole. 
04-17-2013, 01:34 PM
#7
Senior Moderator
So if I have a full water bottle on its side, I take the lid off, and try to put a different lid on, you think I can keep most of the water in? How fast would you have to do it? It would seem that someone would have to be trying pretty hard to overfill it. 
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04-17-2013, 02:20 PM
#8
I've seen this happen before...anything is possible when Valvoline does a diff service. Have you ever replaced your fluid with a squeeze type hand pump? It's possible to pump more than enough ATF (not water) into the chambers then tighten the fill bolt before enough fluid drains out. If you see the ATF leaking out around the vent tube that clips into the rear subframe and you had the diff service recently, it was probably just slightly overfilled.
04-17-2013, 02:50 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
04-17-2013, 06:28 PM
#10
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Pictures you wanted
He is the picture of the suspension member just to the rear of the rear differential. I just bought the car and drove it home (6 hours). I do not know when the differential fluid was changed last. I think the idea of a slight overfill sounds like a good one. I am a little unsure about how to get a picture on this forum. I am used to just copy and paste. Looks like I have to upload to a web site (I use photobucket).
04-17-2013, 06:42 PM
#11
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Sorry I am a newbe and cannot post pictures into an album yet
As soon as my probationary period is over and I can post pictures to an album, I will. I wonder why they do not allow direct copy to the reply area? And why do they make newbes wait to be able to post pictures?
04-17-2013, 10:09 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
This depths of issues that this forum deals with are more than most can imagine.
To your issue, the Acura protocol to fill the diff is until fluid leaks out. Simply pulling the upper plug and allowing the fluid to come out on a level surface will get the correct level. It's a 3/8" drive (typical socket wrench driver) bolt. A breaker bar is necessary. IIRC, it is a tight squeeze between the diff and the frame.
Now that I think about it, if the fluid is filled on an incline with the front lower, you could easily over fill. Could easily happen by driving on ramps for the rear wheels only.
To your issue, the Acura protocol to fill the diff is until fluid leaks out. Simply pulling the upper plug and allowing the fluid to come out on a level surface will get the correct level. It's a 3/8" drive (typical socket wrench driver) bolt. A breaker bar is necessary. IIRC, it is a tight squeeze between the diff and the frame.
Now that I think about it, if the fluid is filled on an incline with the front lower, you could easily over fill. Could easily happen by driving on ramps for the rear wheels only.
04-18-2013, 04:53 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
Does it continue to leak after you wipe it down? Could be that someone was sloppy changing it and it sprayed all over and you are just seeing residual. Check both fill holes, remember there are 4 holes, two fill and 2 drain.
04-19-2013, 07:26 AM
#16
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I hope I caught this in time before an issue like yours comes up. I am having a hard time getting under the car without jacking it up. Maybe this weekend I'll work on it. Has the ATF Z1 been superceded by DW1?
04-19-2013, 10:05 AM
#17
Senior Moderator
For the transmission, yes, but don't put DW1 in your diff. You need DPSF. Acura sells it as SH-AWD fluid. Honda sells it as Dual Pump Fluid II. There is no reason to believe they are different.
04-19-2013, 10:14 AM
#18
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Thread Starter
The owner's manual for my 2006 Acura RL indicates specifically to use ATF Z1 (which is now been replaced by DW1) in the rear differential. I also have a 2007 AWD Honda CRV which specifies the use of Dual Pump Fluid but not for the Acura RL. Please let me know where you got your information. I want to make sure of this before I do the maintenance.
04-19-2013, 02:00 PM
#20
Senior Moderator
I came across this in the TQI for the 2011 RDX. The 2011 RL is not out yet, so I don't know if it uses these new fluids, but my question is more to the point, are these new fluids backward compatible for ATF-Z1 uses, namely the RL rear diff and transmission??
I would give the link, but Honda has recently closed all the links that I used to have that would give you Owners Manuals, Service News and TSBs. I just happened to have downloaded a copy of the TQI a few weeks ago, so here is an excerpt from the pdf of B10-020
New Automatic Transmission Fluid
A new automatic transmission fluid is used starting in
2011 models. ATF DW-1 is the new automatic
transmission fluid that helps improve low temperature
performance. Do not use any other transmission fluid
n 2011 models.
New AWD Differential Fluid
A new differential fluid is used in all 2011 SH-AWD
models. Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF)
replaces ATF-Z1 as the recommended rear differential
fluid. Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid is designed
specifically for the tough conditions in the AWD
assembly.
Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF) is a caramel color,
not pink like the previously used A/T fluid. The rear
differential case is also stamped with the letters DPSF,
not ATF.
I would give the link, but Honda has recently closed all the links that I used to have that would give you Owners Manuals, Service News and TSBs. I just happened to have downloaded a copy of the TQI a few weeks ago, so here is an excerpt from the pdf of B10-020
New Automatic Transmission Fluid
A new automatic transmission fluid is used starting in
2011 models. ATF DW-1 is the new automatic
transmission fluid that helps improve low temperature
performance. Do not use any other transmission fluid
n 2011 models.
New AWD Differential Fluid
A new differential fluid is used in all 2011 SH-AWD
models. Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF)
replaces ATF-Z1 as the recommended rear differential
fluid. Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid is designed
specifically for the tough conditions in the AWD
assembly.
Acura All-Wheel Drive Fluid (DPSF) is a caramel color,
not pink like the previously used A/T fluid. The rear
differential case is also stamped with the letters DPSF,
not ATF.
04-22-2013, 03:18 PM
#21
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Thread Starter
After talking with several dealers they tell me to use the SH-AWD fluid rather than the ATF DW-1. It seems that the DW-1 might be ok to use but the SH-AWD fluid is the best (recommended) fluid. Dual pump fluid used in CRV's etc. seems not to be the fluid to use according to the dealers. Does everyone concur? You all have been a great help.
04-22-2013, 04:46 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
After talking with several dealers they tell me to use the SH-AWD fluid rather than the ATF DW-1. It seems that the DW-1 might be ok to use but the SH-AWD fluid is the best (recommended) fluid. Dual pump fluid used in CRV's etc. seems not to be the fluid to use according to the dealers. Does everyone concur? You all have been a great help.
04-22-2013, 05:06 PM
#25
Burning Brakes
Why don't you just crack the fill bolts open and let what ever is in there come out. When it stops coming out you are at the right level. You don't need to jack up the car, but is easier if you can a little. Car should be level. Use a 3/8 breaker bar and make sure it fits snug so you don't strip it the bolt.
04-22-2013, 05:39 PM
#26
Senior Moderator
After talking with several dealers they tell me to use the SH-AWD fluid rather than the ATF DW-1. It seems that the DW-1 might be ok to use but the SH-AWD fluid is the best (recommended) fluid. Dual pump fluid used in CRV's etc. seems not to be the fluid to use according to the dealers. Does everyone concur? You all have been a great help.
04-23-2013, 07:22 AM
#27
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Thread Starter
Thanks for all you research and advice. I will open the fill plug bolts and see how much comes out. It will be about 2 weeks before I can do that so I will let you know when I have the chance to do it.
05-29-2013, 06:55 PM
#28
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Thread Starter
I finally changed the differential fluid, using the SH-AWD fluid. When I ran the back wheels up on ramps and then raised the front of the car with a jack and removed the upper fill plug, a small amount of fluid came out. This indicates that it was overfilled as we suspected. It has not leaked since I changed the fluid. Now I have to decide if I will try to change the timing belt myself or pay the price to get someone else to do it. Any thoughts. Who has done this themselves?
05-29-2013, 09:08 PM
#29
Senior Moderator
There are a few threads. A Honda dealer will save you $300-400 over an Acura dealer.
06-03-2013, 07:19 PM
#30
Instructor
It's basically nuts and bolts with very limited clearance. Hardest part is getting crank bolt out, even with the special pulley holding tool. A local shop might loosen it for you and snug it up enough to get home. Be prepared for some very sore hamstrings if you do most of the work from the top!
06-04-2013, 01:46 PM
#31
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Thread Starter
Sounds like you have some experience in timing belt changes. I had the hamstring problem just changing the spark plugs. I have looked at some of the youtube videos on the J series motor. They usually work on a Honda, which may have more room to work. Any further advice would be appreciated. I was thinking of purchasing the video from EricTheCarGuy but I am not sure whether it would be any better than the ones from BundysGarage or Cuptain85. Since I am starting a conversation about timing belt change perhaps I should start a new thread.
06-04-2013, 02:28 PM
#32
Senior Moderator
Please do a search. The topic has been covered many times.
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