Diff carrier bearings replacement

[jack07]

Hi all,my 07 E86 manual has developed a minor irritating diff whirring sound which only manifests itself occasionally after tight slower speed bends.After checking around underneath I can feel movement of the diff output flange which I believe confirms my suspicion of carrier bearings.I have no noticeable noise when powering on and overrun so hope to save a perfectly good diff with just the carrier bearings and output seals.Has anyone sourced these items,or know the sizes.If not I will post them up when the old ones come out.
I'm not in need of messing with the pinion bearings and cannot run to a LSD,just want to save this diff.

 

[Beatman]

Jack07, my 04 e85 has also recently started to whine, I think from the differential. It starts at above 20mph and the noise seems speed related. I've tried clutch in / freewheeling etc but it remains. Only stopping once the speed drops below the 22-25 mark.
Hopefully a fellow member can help point to a possible diagnosis?

 

[jack07]

Have you noticed any change in the noise when throwing weight on and off each side.i.e. On a quiet stretch of road steer quite firmly left to load a right wheel bearing and make it louder,and vice versa?If you cannot aggravate the noise this way it's very likely in the diff.

 

[Beatman]

Jack07. I have made a few inquiries and carried out a few test drives. And I think your right, it's most probably the diff .
My issue is now sorting out how to get it fixed, not sure if this is a diy task.