99 Honda CRV which MTF and rear diff fluids??

[Fuelman]

Just picked up a used 99 Honda CRV and want to drain and refill all the fluids.
Honda manual and Haynes bood say the manual trans takes "Honda manual transmission fluid" or equivalent. And for the rear differential it calls for the "Honda Dual pump fluid"

Questions: will Penzoil Synchromesh work for the manual transmission?
and what on earth is Honda dual pump fluid?

If anybody knows of a non dealership equivalant that i can use that meets the specs, I would appreciate it.

Thank you!
Fuelman

 

[redhat]

Hello!

As for the MTF, Honda Genuine is decent along with the Amsoil synchromesh. A lot of the 6-speed Honda guys also like the GM SynchroMesh Friction Modified.

As for the Dual Pump fluid, you're going to want to exclusively use the OEM Honda Fluid.

 

[Hokiefyd]

There is no aftermarket equivalent for the Dual Pump fluid. This fluid is available at your Honda dealer for around $9/qt. It should take two quarts to service the rear unit in your CR-V, but check the owner's manual to confirm.

I'm not sure if Synchromesh would be good for the transmission. I'd probably use a 75W-90 GL-4 or similar. Redline's MT-90 may be a good choice, but check with different fluid manufacturers. Or ask your Honda dealer what they would use; it's likely not Honda Genuine MTF.

 

[Bryankkkk]

I just did the Rear diff and the manual tranny fluid on my 01 crv.

I used OEM Tranny fluid and Dual pump fluid. Only use the dual pump fluid. You need a little over a quart for the differential.

Get your valves adjusted if the car has unknown history, if you dont know if they were done, get them done asap. Adjust them to the loose side of spec.

 

[redhat]

Straight from the 97-2000 CRV service manual. Honda Genuine MTF for the MTs.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Interesting that that Honda information source says to use CVT fluid for the rear differential. Was Dual Pump Fluid developed after the system was initially introduced?

 

[Fuelman]

thank you!
Was kinda hoping that my normal parts supplier may have something for the manual transmission, but if all else fails I will get the dealership fluid.

 

[artificialist]

Wouldn't there be a transfer case attached to the manual transmission? That would probably need something different.

 

[Fuelman]

Quote:
Wouldn't there be a transfer case attached to the manual transmission? That would probably need something different.


I just picked this up for my girlfriend and have not even put it on my lift yet so I will check.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Wouldn't there be a transfer case attached to the manual transmission? That would probably need something different.


The owner's manual would say. In the case of our CR-V, the transfer unit is lubricated by the transmission fluid. In the case of our Acura, the transfer unit takes separate fluid, 80W-90 Hypoid GL-4.

 

[Bryankkkk]

Originally Posted By: Fuelman
Quote:
Wouldn't there be a transfer case attached to the manual transmission? That would probably need something different.


I just picked this up for my girlfriend and have not even put it on my lift yet so I will check.


Dont forget to check the valves! Mine were rather tight at 84,000 miles(had them adjusted as soon as I bought it.)

 

[Bror Jace]

The original Honda MTF had a viscosity of around 10 cSt. The newer formula (around 2006+) is much thinner at 7.5 cSt.

Still no aftermarket alternative to Honda Dual Pump fluid? I assume Honda never released the specifications and no one in the aftermarket is willing to say there's is a direct replacement.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Well, I wonder if aftermarket CVT fluid could be used. I won't try it, but I do wonder if it'd work. The system apparently first used CVT fluid before the Dual Pump Fluid was developed.

 

[JZiggy]

The rear diff wants Dual Pump fluid from Honda, nothing else. If you buy from an online place like Hondaparsunlimited or Bernardi Honda it's more like $6.50 per quart.

I have consistently found Amsoil MTF to outperform Honda MTF and Pennzoil syncromesh in all Honda MTs. You will want a motor-oil-like fluid (and MTF) and not a gear oil in this application.

+1 on the valves. Not a hard job anyway.

Congrats on picking up a quality vehicle! My 1st gen CRV has been great.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: JZiggy
The rear diff wants Dual Pump fluid from Honda, nothing else.


What year is yours? Does the owner's manual call for DPF or CVT fluid? The earliest ones apparently called for CVT fluid, which causes me to wonder how similar they really are.

 

[JZiggy]

2000. Don't know about CVT fluid. What you get on the shelf now is Dual Pump II fluid, so I guess there used to be a Dual Pump I fluid.

When I bought the CRV 15k ago it had rubbing noises going around turns. Drained the fluid, filled with Dual Pump II, and the noises were gone. Must be the right thing.