2011 Front Differential Noise

[Bobby788]

I have just recently purchases a 2011 big red. It has a rattling noise in the front differential at about 9 r 10 mph. My dealer has dine alot of work and research on this problem. With basically no results on why it dies this. They also have tested several other 2011 models also and have found that they also make this same noise. Honda is now telling me that this is an inherited characteristic of the machine. I never would have thought Honda would consider a noise in the front differential a characteristic of one of there machines. We have not tested any 2010 models ,but the 2009 models do not make this noise. Has anyone else heard this noise or have any input about this situation ?

[sylvj0]

I had the exact same problem with mine. Tell your mechanic to remove the front drive shaft and check the runout. Mine was out .027" on the end that connects to the front differential. They ordered a new shaft and the noise is gone..

[Bobby788]

Thanks alot for the information. I will be calling him first thing in the morning. If you don't mind me asking, what is the name and location of you're dealer ? In the case they would like to contact them for information on this problem.

[sylvj0]

My dealer is Honda of Laurel in Laurel, MS. Tell them to talk to Shane he is the service manager and he did the work on mine. Hope this helps.

[Bobby788]

Thanx alot for the information. We talked to Shane at Honda of laurel. He says that you're run out on you're shaft was too much. My mechanic says he checked that on mine and it was to spec. Shane also told my mechanic that he has ran into this on several models and that they are putting some kind of additive to the differential that quietens this noise alot. He also said they put the additive in youres. They have ordered me some of this for mine. Has anyone else had this problem ? Or if you have a 2011 model can you ride it slow at 9 r 10 mph not letting it shift into second gear to see if it makes this noise. My daddy's neighbor just bought one and it does it also.

[Chunz82]

My 2011 does not make that noise.

[RobParks1]

My dad and I each have an 11 model and both have the rattle. Seems to be the front drive shaft rattling, not differential.

[Bobby788]

Best I cam find out it is where the drive shaft goes into the front differential.

[Bobby788]

Has you or you're dad brought this to you're dealers attention ? And if so what did they tell you ?

[RobParks1]

No we haven't contacted the dealer about it. Now that I think about it, I don't recall hearing it anymore on mine...maybe I'm just numb to it by now or it went away as I have about 65 hours on mine. Next time I'm on it I'll listen for it and post an update.

[RobParks1]

I was on mine yesterday and it does still make the noise, it's just not nearly as loud as it was when new. I had to listen for it.