Troubleshooting - Acura 3.5 RL Manual

Differential

Troubleshooting

NOTE: Most problems in the unit are to be diagnosed by identifying noises from the gears or bearings.
Care should be taken during diagnosis not to confuse differential noises with those from other drivetrain components.
[Noise symptoms will be most prominent]
Symptom
Consistent noise during
cruising
Gear noises while
accelerating
Gear noises while
coasting or accelerating
Bearing noises while
accelerating or
coasting/deceleration
Abnormal noises when
rounding a curve
Abnormal noises during
acceleration or when first
driving away from a stop
Oil leak
Overheating
Probable Cause
• Lack of oil
• Foreign matter stuck in gears, etc.
• Improper tooth contact between ring gear and
drive pinion
• Worn or damaged side bearing
• Deformed ring gear or differential carrier
• Lack of oil
• Foreign matter stuck in gears, etc.
• Improper drive pinion preload
• Chipped or damaged gears
• Improper drive pinion preload
• Damaged or chipped gears
Cracked or damaged drive pinion bearing or side
bearing
• Worn (excessive play) or damaged side bearing
• Damaged side gear, pinion, or pinion shaft
• Excessive backlash between ring gear and
drive pinion
• Improper ring gear or drive pinion preload
• Excessive pinion backlash
• Worn differential splines
• Loose companion flange nuts and other
fasteners
• Oil level too high
• Clogged breather hole
• Loose case cover or inadequate sealing
• Worn or damaged oil seal
• Lack of oil
• Insufficient ring gear-to-pinion backlash
• Excessive ring gear or drive pinion preload
Remedy
• Replenish oil
• Clean and inspect
• Adjust or replace
• Replace any damaged or
faulty parts
• Replenish oil
• Clean and inspect
• Adjust
• Replace
Adjust or replace
Replace
Replace
• Adjust
• Adjust or replace
• Recheck torque or replace
• Lower to proper level
• Clean or replace
• Recheck torque or apply sealant
• Replace
• Replenish
• Adjust
• Adjust or replace