Another symptom of rear diff problem?

[GriffinGirl]

Okay, so my husband and I are looking at a '03 MDX, and realize this isn't an Acura forum, but hey, they all come from the same place and you all have a lot of useful help!

So, we test drove a potential buy from an individual, and think there is a prob with the rear dif from what we are reading, however when we are turning the steering wheel rocks back intermittently, pulling back to center. It is not the assisted power steering, its someting else and we are wondering if it is tied to the rear dif problem. Has anyone heard of this?

Thanks everyone!
Tiffany

[Fox Fader]

Why do you say it's not the power steering? Sounds like a weak PS pump. Also not sure if this vehicle has a PS pressure control switch (can't remember the exact name), it may be bad.

[GriffinGirl]

Sorry, I meant to say "we don't think it is the power steering after reading about all the problems with the rear dif".

My husband owns a Jeep with locked differentials and he was thinking it "makes sense" that it is related to the rear dif and not the steering. But we dunno!

Is it possible the rear dif probs can cause the jerking in the stearing?

[Fox Fader]

Is it possible the rear dif probs can cause the jerking in the stearing?

It's possible, but I think the MDX has a different rear-end system altogether so I can't relate to how it operates. I've owned many RWD cars and never have I had a rear-end problem that cuase this type of steering issue. Nevertheless, if it is a rear-end problem I'd stay away, it could turn out to be a costly repair. Focus on the PS some, I got a feeling it's there.

[pilotjoe]

Sorry, I meant to say "we don't think it is the power steering after reading about all the problems with the rear dif".

My husband owns a Jeep with locked differentials and he was thinking it "makes sense" that it is related to the rear dif and not the steering. But we dunno!

Is it possible the rear dif probs can cause the jerking in the stearing?

Yes.
Sounds like the rear differential (VTM-4) fluid is contaminated.
There is a Technical Service Bulletin for the MDX regarding this problem.
Replacing the contaminated fluid will normally solve the problem.
However, I would have an Acura tech look at it if there has been any damage done to the rear differential as a result.

[GriffinGirl]

So, it sounds okay to purchase this vehicle because both issues (PS and rear dif) are fairly easy...for my husband to fix. Just something to negotiate with the seller.

I really appreciate the replies!

Thanks guys!

[GriffinGirl]

Okay, so I called the dealership as well.... they think it is the rack and pinion ($420 for part) and of course suggested the flushing of the rear dif and the transfer case...$78 and $83 respectively. I asked, just in case, what the cost of the rear dif assembly would be, not labor, $2200! WOW So, anyway, just thought I would throw that out there in case anyone does a search on COST or PRICE of parts...'cause I did! :)

Thank god my husband can do all this! So now, we have to really start negotiating down the asking price of my perspective MDX. Wish me luck! :P

['Curly Q Links']

I'm siding with Fox about this one, maybe low PS fluid or maybe it's even just a loose drive belt on the PS pump. I had thought of a bad tire with a separation, but you'd have felt that at speed.

:shock:

[butterfly]

I had the same symptoms with my 02' MDX.
Luckily it was just a contaminated vtm-4 fluid as Pilotjoe indicated.
The dealership had to drain and refill the rear differential fluid 3X until the juddering and steering noise was gone.
I've attached the Technical Service Bulletin from Acura for your reference.

[butterfly]

I had the same symptoms with my 02' MDX.
Luckily it was just a contaminated vtm-4 fluid as Pilotjoe indicated.
The dealership had to drain and refill the rear differential fluid 3X until the juddering and steering noise was gone.
I've attached the Technical Service Bulletin from Acura for your reference.

Here's the link: http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Acura/1145948400000_1146466800000_04-023/41.html

['Curly Q Links']

(we) . . . think there is a prob with the rear dif from what we are reading, however when we are turning the steering wheel rocks back intermittently, pulling back to center
That's not the same symptom as the 'juddering and steering noise' that's outlined in the TSB.

The rear diff problem sometimes sounds like it's coming from the front, but it certainly won't affect the steering. It just makes a noise / vibration that sounds like you're driving around with your spare tire dragging sideways on the parking lot. Sometimes it's just a Whooo, and I've heard both.

:idea:

[GriffinGirl]

Okay, update on this issue. The rack and pinion replaced, the power steering pump replaced and the rear dif has been flushed AND it still has the crazy steering problem! No more whine from power steering.

So, no noise now, just when making more aggressive turns (and not always the case either) the steering wheel almost jerks back to center :?: We are at a loss here :(

['Curly Q Links']

Okay, update on this issue. The rack and pinion replaced, the power steering pump replaced and the rear dif has been flushed AND it still has the crazy steering problem! No more whine from power steering.

So, no noise now, just when making more aggressive turns (and not always the case either) the steering wheel almost jerks back to center :?: We are at a loss here :(

Power Steering problems are so rare on Honda / Acura.
:idea: Are you sure it's not the Stability Control engaging one of your brakes? That could snap your wheel around. :idea:

Heckuva deal if you got all that stuff replaced for free. :wink:

['Curly Q Links']

Power Steering problems are so rare on Honda / Acura.

:idea: Are you sure it's not the Vehicle Stability Assist engaging one of your brakes? That could snap your wheel around. :idea:

Read this thread, in particular what 'blueiedgod' has to say:
http://www.hondasuv.com/stg/viewtopic.php?t=14927&

I thought it's supposed to flash the light whenever it engages. Nobody (not even the dealer) noticed that?

:idea:

[GriffinGirl]

The VSA in the CR-V reads the wheel speed using the ABS wheel sensors. When it senses that left say left front is spinning faster, while accelerating, than the other three, it will apply brakes to the left front to lock the open differential. If that does not help, it will cut the throttle until traction is achieved.

Similarly, when you take a turn a little too fast on the pavement with low traction, it will apply brakes to the inner side of the turn.

If you are in severe understeer (front plows, while you have the wheels turned) it will apply brakes to the front wheel on the side of the turn. And may cut the throttle if you are laying on it.

If you are in severe oversteer, it will cut the throttle, and apply brakes to the fronts.

These are just based on my observations.


That would explain it if it happend on all the MDX's we have test drove, but it only occurs on this one in particular. :(

We have not seen a light flash, ever, in any of the MDX's either :?:

[N_Jay]

If it is happening at speed, it may be a bad suspension bushing.
I notice a slight lightening and tightening of the steering on my Pilot.
We had the same issue with our range rover and it was bushings causing slight alignment shifts during cornering.

['Curly Q Links']

That would explain it if it happend on all the MDX's we have test drove, but it only occurs on this one in particular. :(
We have not seen a light flash, ever, in any of the MDX's either :?:
If you're in posession of the vehicle, please look in the glove box and tell us what the owner's manual says about how to disable the Vehicle Stability Assist , and how to tell how it's working, as well as any disclaimers they make about it's usage.

:idea: