Do you remember  that little jingle, “Honda, we make it Simple” incorporated into the TV ads in the late 70’s and early 80’s?

Back then, Honda did make it simple. Acura was unknown in the U.S. and Honda Motor Company had the Honda Civic (including the CRX models), the Honda Accord, and the Honda Prelude.

Honda Motor Company was producing vehicles that domestic car manufacturers would not produce. The Honda cars were reliable, and very fuel efficient compared to the majority of the vehicles on the road, which at that time were equipped with V8 engines.

Today, things are not as “simple”.  American Honda produces many more models than just a few years ago. On the Honda side, there are 8 different models with various sub models (DX, LX, VP, EX, EX-L, Touring)  produced. On the Acura side, there are 5 models with various sub models produced.

Of the  models currently produced by American Honda thru the Acura and Honda production lines, there are 8 models that have a rear axle assembly. These models include the Honda CRV *, Honda Element *, Honda Pilot *, Honda Ridgeline, Honda S2000, Acura RDX, Acura MDX, and the Acura RL.

Our Service Department recommends changing the rear axle fluid every 30,000 miles. This maintenance procedure removes the small metal fragments and clutch fragments that are naturally produced while driving that are suspended in the fluid. If your Honda or Acura vehicle is equipped with a rear axle and you are are experiencing noise or chatter, especially when turning, start by changing the rear axle fluid. This could be the “simple” answer to these symptoms.

Below is a chart  of what fluid is used when changing the rear axle lubricant. Again, our Service Department recommends this  maintenance procedure at least every 30,000 miles. Always use the Genuine Honda Fluids.

Honda CRV                Honda Dual Pump Fluid    part#  08200-9007

Honda Element          Honda Dual Pump Fluid    part#  08200-9007

Honda Ridgeline        Honda VTM-4                   part#  08200-9003 **

Honda Pilot                 Honda VTM-4                  part# 08200-9003  **

Acura MDX                  Honda VTM-4                  part# 08200-9003A **

Acura RL                      Honda ATF-Z1                 part# 08200-9001A **

Acura RDX                   Honda ATF-Z1                 part# 08200-9001A **

Honda S2000              GL-5 or  GL-6                  Hypoid Gear Oil

Sub notes:

*   Indicates 4 wheel / Real-Time models only

**  The ”A” designation at the end of the part number indicates the Acura part number  of the same fluid that is in  the Honda bottle (see photos)

Do-it-yourself Honda and Acura owners: Always follow the procedure as outlined in the Factory Service Manuals and remember that there may be multiple drain and fill plugs, such as the late model Acura RL units that have a total of 4 drain and fill plugs in the rear axle assembly.