Center Case Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Acura MDX, 2008 Acura MDX, and 2007 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the rear differential (see REAR DIFFERENTIAL REMOVAL ).
Remove the rear differential front mounting brackets (A) from the rear differential (B).

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Differential Front Mounting Brackets And Rear Differential
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the rear differential fluid temperature sensor cover (A), rear differential fluid temperature sensor (B), O-ring (C), and rear differential harness bracket (D) with bolts.

Fig 2: Identifying Differential Fluid Temperature Sensor, Cover, O-Ring And Harness Bracket
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the rear differential left side case (A), the rear differential right side case (B), the 10x12 mm dowel pins (C) from the rear differential center case (D).

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Differential Left And Right Side Case, Dowel Pins And Center Case
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Replace the rear differential center case.
Remove the dirt and oil from the sealing surfaces. Apply liquid gasket (P/N 08718-0001) to the sealing surface. Make sure you seal the entire circumference of the bolt holes to prevent oil leakage.
NOTE:
- You must assemble the housings with you do in 5 minutes after applying the liquid gasket. If not, the sealing surface must be cleaned, and the liquid gasket reapplied.
- Allow it to cure at least 30 minutes after assembly before filling the differential with fluid.
  
  Fig 4: Identifying Liquid Gasket Along Broken Line And Around Bolt Holes
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the 8x12 mm dowel pins (A), the rear differential right side case (B), the rear differential left side case (C), and the mounting bolts (D) on to the rear differential center case (E).

Fig 5: Rear Differential Left And Right Side Case, Dowel Pins, Center Case And Mounting Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Tighten the mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern in several steps.
Install the rear differential fluid temperature sensor (A), new O-ring (B), rear differential harness bracket (C), and rear differential fluid temperature sensor cover (D) with bolts.

Fig 6: Identifying Differential Fluid Temperature Sensor, Cover, O-Ring And Harness Bracket With torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the rear differential front mounting brackets (A) from the rear differential (B).
NOTE: Install a lower surface of the guides (C) horizontally as shown, then tighten the new rear differential front mounting bracket bolts (D).

Fig 7: Lower Surface Of Guides With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the rear differential (see REAR DIFFERENTIAL INSTALLATION ).
Refill the differential fluid (see REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT ).