whining noise from rear axle ?

[Archie 2]

I have a 190 1.8 petrol,1991 saloon.Its done just 90000 miles.I am just starting to hear a low whine from the rear off side when doing 60 -65 mph.
The strange thing is ,it comes and goes,not a constant noise at all.
Is this a bearing or diff problem just starting to surface ? Thanks.

 

[Bolide]

I have a 190 1.8 petrol,1991 saloon.Its done just 90000 miles.I am just starting to hear a low whine from the rear off side when doing 60 -65 mph.
The strange thing is ,it comes and goes,not a constant noise at all.
Is this a bearing or diff problem just starting to surface ? Thanks.

Short answer: Yes

Long answer: If it's the diff the noise normally comes & goes depending whether the engine is on load / off load. If it's a wheel bearing it's normally constant if it's the rotating part of the bearing. I had a W124 where one rear wheel bearing made a noise cresting peaks in the road - the case hardening on the fixed outer race was breaking up at the top so the bearing moaned when the weight was off the rear end

My mechanic thought I was mad for wanting it changed. He was probably right. You'll probably go another 3 or 4 years before anything needs to be done

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Does it get worse when you're turning left?

Might indicate a badly worn bearing. Try jacking that wheel and seeing if theres much play, or if it turns roughly.

 

[Archie 2]

Thanks for your quick responses.There is no noise when turning in either direction.The sound/noise seems to come at the particular speed as mentioned and oddly it happens if I slightly ease off the pedal, say when going downhill ! most odd ! I must say this car has been bullet proof,not like the e300 I also have.

 

[television]

Whinning normally start at around 20-30 mph when its the diff,,and you are pulling,and goes on the over run or when you lift the throttle as Bolide says

Other than that, you are left with tyres or wheel bearing.

malcolm

 

[Parrot of Doom]

My first car was a Vauxhall Carlton club estate. RWD, nice car, but at 100,000 had a very noisy diff. It was like a constant turbo whine, the faster you drove the higher in pitch it got.

Have you checked the oil level inside the diff? Its as simple as undoing the fill bolt (14mm allen key), and sticking your finger inside. It should be almost up to the brim.

 

[IAN MAC]

i got a slight drone when turning left, over the last 12 months its never grown into anything more. S'pose it keeps going untill it develops into something more. Just passed another MOT so must pressume its not that bad.