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China made ones are about $1000 and are the complete assembly.
Mazda online sites are vague and all over the place price wise.
At this rate I am going to dissemble it myself and see if i can change the bearing and the seal ! See it listed for $52.
flush the damn thing with clean fluid a few times and trade it in for a Rav4.
I wouldn't cheap out an a rear diff with a chinese no-name one. From what I understand you can't really do only the bearing and seal because the whole diff gets damaged when they go bad inside, and it has to be a whole unit swap. That's what I was told from both a private mechanic and Mazda themselves. Mazda headquarters came in clutch and we only had to pay $550 for a new one on one of our 2021s. All I'm gonna say is the Rav4 is boring and as dull as watching paint dry lmao.
Yes, tires make a huge diff in road noise. This CX-5 up to now has run great, good in snow. Mechanical noise is higher then my tastes.
son has a Lexus CT200h . its smooth and quiet. Both wife and I had '08 Saab 95's named Hansel and Gretel. Black one, and White one.
Miss those!
Anyway, Ive got a wicked sinus infection so I haven't pulled the rear differential yet. been watching videos and gathering info on the parts.
Once I start pulling diff that will tie up my lift so I want t0 be ready when I do it.
LOL. Bought a Brand New complete, cheapo Chinese made unit off of Ebay. Even got it discounted to $760.
So far I've left the front to rear driveshaft OFF. It really could use two new universal joints. the CX-5 doesnt seem to even miss it!
No noise. No CEL on Dash.
Once I get caught up on my TTD list and it warms up here in Maine ill get new uni joints for the shaft. Presss them out/on and reinstall shaft, get CX-5 inspected.
Change front differential fluid and tranny fluid and filter too.
Callisto, I will have to disagree with you about clogged vent valves ,especially if one lives and drives in areas where ice and snow are common. These spring loaded valves will rust shut over the years. Then when one drives esp in hot weather the spring isn't strong enough to force open the vent and depressurize the diff., leading to leaky seals. and worse.Doesn't matter if it's a Mazda, Toyota Subie, Honda, They are all the same. And a real MF if one as to change one out. I check mine every oil change and spray some CRC screwloose to keep it working properly. Just my 2 cents
Ok well you are the exception to what most DIY and service shops know. Pop over to a 4x4 forum and post your information see how well its accepted.
I do applaud you attempt of preventive maintenance, maybe try considering swapping the CRC for GIBBS or Marvel Mystery lubricating oil.I use and stock all 3 and the last 2 seem to work better for your type of purpose then CRC.
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BTW you may look at my signature below
Last edited by Callisto; Apr 13, 2026 at 01:05 PM.
