M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: Weeman on December 12, 2007, 11:14:17 AM
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Hello guys,
How do you tell the difference between rear differential noise from wheel bearing noise? I know the usual trick is that wheel bearing noise will amplify or disappear depending on which direction you turn, and ring and pinion noise will change with throttle lift off.
My problem is, this noise only changes pitch with road speed, and nothing else! Throttle or not, turning not...it's the same, and just gets whinier with speed. None of the wheels/lug nuts feel hot after a long drive either. Sounds like it's from the rear right - maybe rear center. But you know how it is, rear end noise plays tricks and resonates to odd places.
Anyone else had this problem? How do I pin point the noise?
Edit: Just thinking it could be the diff output bearing...what is involved with changing it this? Must the diff be dropped or can it removed by removing a drive flange?
Note: I just changed the diff fluid with Redline 75-90 and the noise did not subside.
car: 1991 318is 238,000km