Don't take their diagnosis. They are just making an assumption that the diff is gone, when it most probably isn't. If it is a bearing within the diff, it wouldn't cost more than $500 to rebuild.

Dealers aren't specialists. If there is a problem with something, they will almost always tell you to replace it. I had a Mazda that had a transmission problem. The dealer drove it, and said I needed to replace it. I went down the street to a tranny shop, and they diagnosed it as a clogged valve. The total cost was $300 to repair. What you need to do is find a shop that specializes in differentials.

 

Anrosphynx,

Did you read the responses that you have been getting? Did you read the thread that I posted about the rear wheel bearings? Can you describe a "a metal on metal sound, not a clank"? "Metal on metal" is not a sound.

 

yeah, I agree with you guys.. I talked to honda of america today, and told them that there was no way i was going to pay for it unless i had another opinion. The car still drives by the way, it just makes noise.. Grinding noise.. I took it to another third party to have it looked at. My issue with honda was... they never took it apart (diff) so how did they know that was the problem. I will see now that i took it somewhere else.

 

Well, it's not "Honda" that you have a problem with, it's the dealership.

There's a difference. I would atleast take it to another dealership.

 

They should be able to pinpoint the noise with an electronic stethescope. I'd do it for free if you were nearby. Ask the dealer what they found on the drain plug(if they even looked) The factory drain plug is magnetic. I would also suggest reading Gernby's responses again, he's a great source on this board.

 

It doesn't sound like the dealer put much effort in the diagnosis. If I were you I would put the rear up on jack stands and run it in gear for a short while at low speed and see if you can pinpoint where the noise is coming from. If it is coming from the diff you won't know the extent of the damage until it is disassembled. Could be a bearing or two, which would not be very costly. It depends on how well the previous owner took care of it. I have installed about 12 gearsets in s2k diffs, due to changing ratios. Only one of them was brought to me totally destroyed. Right now I am in the middle of a complete rebuild. Owner used the wrong fluid and the bearings started making noise. If you are in San Diego Pm me. I have a friend there, maybe we could get together and check it out.

 

Ok... update... Here is what happened.. I took the car to another dealership and they said that the differential definitely had issues. However, after talking to Honda USA, they said that they would not fix the problem. I called the dealership that I bought the car from and bitched... HARD. They ended up completely replacing the differential for me. For free.. No more noises coming from the diff.. I am a happy camper...
Thanks for all your help guys.. This site is sooo much valuable information..

 

All's well that ends well, but I would seriously consider obtaining a quart of LE-607 diff oil to help keep the new diff happy. That kind of gear noise is usually the result of brinelling, which is a heat/lube/wear type of failure.

Few Honda dealers I have seen actually use the specified 90W oil. If you have low temps in your area, I would run Amsoil 80w90.

 

thanks road rage... where can I pick that up?

 

right here in the marketplace - ricks2k

http://www.ricks2k.com/home.php