Mechanical whiring noise

Frazzle76

Frazzle76

Member
Hi. Just picked up a 2004 3.0. It’s been well looked after and serviced but I’ve noticed a whine that increases with engine speed. It sounds like it could be a chain or something similarly mechanical. Diff? It may be all cars make this noise but would appreciate some thoughts?
 
If it’s a whirring noise when cold starting it could be to do with lifters. If the car has been sat for a while or not used regularly that may cause a noise. Also the correct grade oil and a good quality oil filter eg Mann will help.
Mine is an auto and I get a whirring noise from the front end of the engine on a cold start. It should disappear once the engine is nicely warmed up.
I don’t drive my car every day.
 
The whiring is related to road speed and you can’t hear it until around 40 mph. It sounds like it’s behind me. I know it had a gearbox oil change and diff oil change about 4 years and 15,000 miles ago.
 
Frazzle76 said:
The whiring is related to road speed and you can’t hear it until around 40 mph. It sounds like it’s behind me. I know it had a gearbox oil change and diff oil change about 4 years and 15,000 miles ago.
Click to expand...

That will be the diff then. You can hear it as you effectively sit just in front of the rear axle.
It could be they overfilled it or used the incorrect oil. Not a big job to resolve so maybe a drain and a refill with new correct grade diff oil will help there.
 
BuzzardBiker said:
Frazzle76 said:
BumpyZ4 said:
While driving the car, put it in neutral and see if the noise stops.
Click to expand...

Good idea. It’s an auto though. Can I do that?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't do that in an Auto car. :o
Click to expand...
Putting it in neutral while at speed will not hurt anything. Just let off the throttle and put in neutral and coast. If the noise is stiil there then it is the diff, if it disappears it's most likely the trans.
 
If it’s the diff are there any nightmares to be thinking about? Oil change is the first option to fault find?
 
Frazzle76 said:
If it’s the diff are there any nightmares to be thinking about? Oil change is the first option to fault find?
Click to expand...

Check for leaks. Seals shouldn’t be leaking of course. Driveshaft seals.
If all good then a fluid drain and refill should help.
If you can get the car up in the air you could also check for driveshaft play / Excessive movement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom