I know there is a lot of interest in this subject, so I thought with this great forum we could gather some decent data to analyze why our OEM differentials might be failing and at what rate. It's not going to give us a very scientific look, but hopefully those people that have experinced a failure can post more specific variables that were involved with the failure (what exactly failed, driving conditions/style, lubes used, mileage, etc...).
Remember that this is for OEM diffs only. FI stands for forced induction, NA stands for normally aspirated (no turbo or supercharger). AP1 is MY00-03. AP2 is MY04-05.
I tried to list 12 responses, but the program would only allow me to list 10. So if your category doesn't match exactly, please elaborate (ie. Yes, AP2 w/FI w/CDV removed, etc...). Thanks for your responses.

 

I assume you're including ring and pinion failures, which are far more common than failures of the actual torsen lsd unit.

 

Yes. I think this poll should be all inclusive at this point. I think that the trends that are identified by this poll may allow for more specific analysis, but it would be better to stay with any major component for now. My personal concern for now is the clutch delay valve removal mod for AP2's. I'd like to do this but have my reservations about the diff. Did you have a ring and pinion failure?

 

I was fortunate and HondaCare covered the diff replacement on my NA AP1. It would be interesting to know how many owners got stuck with the bill.. I know of three myself.

 

my friend's ap2 had a diff fail. he was out of his 36,000 mile warranty, and had to fit the bill himself.

 

You're missing "No, I have an AP1 with FI."

 

what would be the symptoms of this? my diff had a terrible cyclical clunking noise before i just swapped it out for a brand new one. it still was able to drive around, though, before the swap (as in, it didn't blow up).

 

Could you please make a note of his driving style?

 

actually fairly normal. aggresively fun on the street. he's never launched the car a day in his life.

 

I bought my 2000 with 77k miles. I don