Differential - Moans With Brakes Applied At Low Speeds

SOURCE:
Honda Service News June 2004

TITLE:
Rear Diff Moans With Brakes Applied at Low Speed

APPLIES TO:
1997-04 CR-V 4WD or 2003-04 Element 4WD

SERVICE TIP:
Got a 4WD that moans from the rear differential when you apply the brakes at low speeds? The problem could be mismatched or uneven tires. Tires that are worn from not being rotated, new tires that are mixed with old ones, tires that aren't inflated to the same pressure, tires from different manufacturers, or aftermarket tires can have enough size and tread differences to cause this noise.

To check if the tires are the problem, measure the loaded rolling circumference of all four tires. Here's how:

1. Inflate all four tires to the cold inflation pressures listed on the doorjamb sticker.

2. Place a dab of grease on the center of each front tire.

3. Roll the tires at least one full revolution, and measure the distance between the grease spots.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the rear tires.

5. Compare the differences in rolling tire circumference. If the loaded rolling circumference differs, replace all four tires with a set of known-good tires, and retest.