M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: Jorgeconrico on July 15, 2009, 10:03:11 PM
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There is a horrible noise coming from the rear of the car. Ive searched the forum and found some possible solutions but nothing concrete. The noise is a howl/whine and almost sounds like the noise large off road tires make on the highway. The sound is constant, even if a put the car in neutral while moving. Rear diff? Wheel bearings?
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From my experience it would be the wheel bearings making that noise. DOes the noise change in intensity when you make sharp turns to the left or right? Try it on an empty straight road going about 60-80km/h.
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No the noise doesnt increase when turning. My previous 325 moaned when i turned slowly and it was the lsd. I got under the car and rotated the back wheels and heard a dull grind so i guess it is the wheel bearings.
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Sounds like the wheel bearings.
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+1 on the bearings. I've heard them make whirring noises or a wub-wub-wub that varies with speed and sometimes loading. It's easier on a FWD car as you can really change the load on the bearing. RWD cars are harder to vary load, it's pretty constant on ours.
I'd take the entire arm to a decent indie mechanic to have them pressed in & out. He'll be able to tell if it's the inner, outer or both.