Whining noise coming from rear of Sprinter

[Music Man]

Hi,

This is my first post to your lovely forum

I'm not mechanical myself but do understand most of it so go easy!!!

A bit of background: It's a 2004 model 311 Sprinter, which I bought 5 and a half years ago with 44k on the clock. It's now on 220k. In my ownership it's always had it's oil changed every 10k and goes in for it's regular servicing every 20. I travel around Europe so no expense is spared on keeping it running in tip top condition.

It's just been in for a major service (two spanners on the ASSYST) which went swimmingly.... BUT it has recently developed a whine which I got them to investigate aswell. The diagnosis was that it is coming from the differential. When I asked how the problem is solved they said it could possibly need a new axle as Mercedes don't sell the diff separately!!!

Of course the first thing I thought was how extreme that sounds and surely there is a way of either repairing the diff bearings or rebuilding it etc. I've had gearboxes and such rebuilt so surely this is something that can be done here.

The whine is speed related whether or not it is in gear or the clutch is engaged. I'm just outside Leicester (UK) so I'm looking for a bit of guidance as to what you guys think and my options etc.

Any help greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Corned]

A whining diff, I believe, usually depends on the load going through it, so it would make a different noise under acceleration to that when it's on overrun.

If it is a constant noise, could it be a wheel bearing instead?

 

[Clkrichard]

Have you left your wife in the back ?

 

[stumo]

Lol @ wife comment^

It could also be the driveshaft centre bearing. Like was said above, the diff would make different noises on power vs overrun. Also the diff in these gets much louder when hot. So if its a constant whine its most likely wheel or centre bearing (or wife lol).

 

[oigle]

Here in Oz, we have diff repair specialists so would imagine that the same would apply in England.
If you do it reasonably soon before any real damage occurs, the same crown wheel/pinion can be reset with new bearings at a much less cost than a brand new setup. You may have some residual whine if the crown wheel is damaged. A 140 grade hypoid oil can also help to reduce noise.

 

[william corscadden]

Hi,

This is my first post to your lovely forum

I'm not mechanical myself but do understand most of it so go easy!!!

A bit of background: It's a 2004 model 311 Sprinter, which I bought 5 and a half years ago with 44k on the clock. It's now on 220k. In my ownership it's always had it's oil changed every 10k and goes in for it's regular servicing every 20. I travel around Europe so no expense is spared on keeping it running in tip top condition.

It's just been in for a major service (two spanners on the ASSYST) which went swimmingly.... BUT it has recently developed a whine which I got them to investigate aswell. The diagnosis was that it is coming from the differential. When I asked how the problem is solved they said it could possibly need a new axle as Mercedes don't sell the diff separately!!!

Of course the first thing I thought was how extreme that sounds and surely there is a way of either repairing the diff bearings or rebuilding it etc. I've had gearboxes and such rebuilt so surely this is something that can be done here.

The whine is speed related whether or not it is in gear or the clutch is engaged. I'm just outside Leicester (UK) so I'm looking for a bit of guidance as to what you guys think and my options etc.

Any help greatly appreciated!!!

HI JUST HAD SAME PROBLEM ON MY 08 PLATE 88K, IT WAS CENTRE BEARING ON DRIVESHAFT "EASY FIX " GREASE AND A JACK X

 

[Wighty]

HI JUST HAD SAME PROBLEM ON MY 08 PLATE 88K, IT WAS CENTRE BEARING ON DRIVESHAFT "EASY FIX " GREASE AND A JACK X[/QUOTE
The thread was 5 years old buddy

 

[John Laidlaw]

Holy thread resurrection!!