How to Pick the Right Honda Pilot Rear Differential Fluid

Honda Pilot rear differential fluid is the same as other models from the popular make. You can easily change it at home.
Written by Rachel Rigolino
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
A Honda Pilot will need Honda Genuine 08200-9007 Dual Pump II Differential Fluid manufactured by Honda. For best performance, change your differential fluid after the first 15,000 miles and then every 30,000 miles afterward. 
The Pilot is a great mid-sized SUV that can handle both carpooling to school and off-roading expeditions. To keep this car in tip-top shape, it's crucial to keep up with maintenance—like changing the rear differential fluid with the right product. 
That's why,
Jerry
, the
car insurance
shopping app, has written this handy guide. Read on to learn which type of rear differential fluid is best, how to change it, and when you may need to take it to a professional. We'll even show you the best way to reduce your
Honda Pilot insurance cost.
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The best Honda Pilot rear differential fluid

Honda Pilots—like other Hondas—take only the Honda Genuine 08200-9007 Dual Pump II Differential Fluid made by the Honda corporation. 
According to Honda, their product is formulated by engineers to suit the specific rubber components and metal alloys found in Hondas. As a result, you can depend on Honda fluid to optimize your differential’s performance and protect its gears and other parts from corrosion.

What is rear differential fluid—and why does your Honda need it?

If your Honda Pilot has a rear differential, it’s an all-wheel-drive car. The rear differential provides power to each wheel and helps the back axle operate smoothly. Finding the right rear differential fluid for a Honda Pilot and then maintaining a regular fluid change schedule will help these parts keep working as they are supposed to. 
Differential fluid, which is sometimes referred to as gear oil, is formulated to hold up under high-pressure situations. It lubricates your Honda’s rear differential gears and bearings and also helps to cool the differential. Without enough fluid, your differential may overheat, causing handling problems (and eventually expensive repairs).
Keep in mind, you cannot substitute engine oil for differential fluid. 
Here are some of the key differences between the two:
  • Differential fluid is thicker
  • Differential fluid does not have the same additives as engine oil
  • Differential fluid is specifically designed to prevent corrosion
  • Engine oil is typically replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles while differential fluid can go much longer between changes

How often to change Honda Pilot rear differential fluid

As noted earlier, Honda uses this rule of thumb for changing rear differential fluid: change for the first time when you reach 15,000 miles, and then every 30,000 miles afterward. 
Hondas also have a maintenance minder that will also signal when to replace your fluid. When you see the lighted wrench along with the number 6 on your dashboard, this means that your differential fluid needs to be replaced. It will flash until you have your Pilot serviced.
The following are problems that may signal a low differential fluid level and/or that your fluid needs to be changed: 
  • A burning smell from the rear axle region 
  • Howling or other unexpected noises also from the rear of your Pilot
  • Unusual vibrations from the rear of the SUV

How to change your Honda’s differential fluid

Luckily, many Pilot owners have reported that changing their differential fluid is straightforward and not all that difficult. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined (and you have the right tools), you may want to try changing your Pilot’s differential fluid yourself. As with any maintenance project, start by consulting your owner’s manual
Here are some tools that you are likely to need if you want to attempt to change the differential fluid yourself:
  • Wheel chocks
  • A socket wrench and socket extension
  • Fluid transfer pump
  • Drain pan 
  • Replacement drain plug and fill plug washers
Step 1: Purchase at least 3 quarts of the Honda Genuine 08200-9007 Dual Pump II Differential Fluid. 
Step 2 With wheel chocks, carefully secure your Pilot so that it will not roll. You should be able to get underneath your Pilot without jacking it up. 
Step 3: Locate the differential drain bolt; loosen. 
Step 4: Drain the old fluid in the pan. Replace the drain bolt and use the new washer.
Step 5: Find the fill bolt and loosen it. Use the fluid transfer pump to add new fluid.
Step 6: Be sure to **put the fill bolt back on with a new washer and tighten.
Step 7: Clean off any excess fluid. 
Of course, you can have your Pilot’s differential fluid replaced professionally. In that case, expect to pay anywhere between $70 to $150.

How to find affordable Honda insurance

Prices for late-model Honda Pilots start at $40,000 and quickly go up—so why not make yours last as long as you can (or keep it in good enough condition so that it retains its resale value)? Committing to a regular maintenance schedule is one way not only to keep your Pilot running smoothly but also to prevent expensive repair bills.
Another way to save money is to shop around for the best rates on car insurance. Comparison shopping for insurance is this simple: download the
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