Center Case Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 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
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the rear differential fluid temperature sensor cover (A), the rear differential fluid temperature sensor (B), the O-ring (C).

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

Fig 3: Identifying Rear Differential Assembly
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 08717-0004, 08718-0001, 08718-0003, 08718-0004, or 08718-0009) to the sealing surface. Make sure you seal up to the inside edge of the bolt holes to prevent oil leakage.
NOTE:
- You must assemble the housings within 5 minutes after applying the liquid gasket. If not, the sealing surface must be cleaned, and the liquid gasket reapplied.
- Allow the liquid gasket to cure at least 30 minutes after assembly before filling the differential with fluid.
Left side case/Right side case

Fig 4: Identifying Liquid Gasket Applying Area Onto Broken Line And Around Bolt Holes
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the 10x12 mm dowel pins (A), the rear differential right side case (B), the rear differential left side case (C), and the mounting bolts (D) onto the rear differential center case (E).

Fig 5: Rear Differential Assembly With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Tighten the mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern in several steps, then tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
Install rear differential harness bracket D.

Fig 6: Rear Differential Harness Bracket With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the rear differential fluid temperature sensor (A) with a new O-ring (B), and the rear differential fluid temperature sensor cover (C).
Temporarily install the rear differential front mounting brackets (A) with new bolts (B) on the rear differential (C).

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Differential Front Mounting Brackets
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the rear differential (see REAR DIFFERENTIAL INSTALLATION ).