Differential Whining Noise

[Tempz]

Hi all,
Been having this whining noise especially during deceleration from my 2009 Sportback (68k on the clock) and a health check during oil change back in December flagged up n/s wheel bearing and corroded disc.
Took car in to VAG specialist the other day and the noise is still there after replacing both front wheel bearings. They now suspect it's the differential.
Has anyone had any experience of this issue before? Would greatly appreciate your input.

 

[dave_beastttt]

Tyres can cause similar noises

 

[S3Alex]

Hi all,
Been having this whining noise especially during deceleration from my 2009 Sportback (68k on the clock) and a health check during oil change back in December flagged up n/s wheel bearing and corroded disc.
Took car in to VAG specialist the other day and the noise is still there after replacing both front wheel bearings. They now suspect it's the differential.
Has anyone had any experience of this issue before? Would greatly appreciate your input.

Other things that can cause similar noises are gearbox bearings.
The synchros wear also and the end result is whining under load.

If you change gear,the noise may change or disappear,and that may help you to eliminate the gearbox as a source.

Diff wear.....possible,but even mine didn't suffer from that.

 

[Tempz]

Other things that can cause similar noises are gearbox bearings.
The synchros wear also and the end result is whining under load.

If you change gear,the noise may change or disappear,and that may help you to eliminate the gearbox as a source.

Diff wear.....possible,but even mine didn't suffer from that.

Garage inspected driveshafts and CV joints and they're all fine.
Gearbox could be a source as the noise is there under all forward gears but only becomes noticeably loud at speeds over ~15mph.
In terms of the diff, do non-quattro FWD cars even have one? If so, would it be a bearing inside it?
Thanks.

 

[S3Alex]

Garage inspected driveshafts and CV joints and they're all fine.
Gearbox could be a source as the noise is there under all forward gears but only becomes noticeably loud at speeds over ~15mph.
In terms of the diff, do non-quattro FWD cars even have one? If so, would it be a bearing inside it?
Thanks.

There will be an open diff.

 

[Tempz]

Just an update; been quoted £675 to strip gearbox and replace bearings. Does this sound reasonable?

 

[S3_Mat]

If 350 to 400 of that is labour that is reasonable yes. Its a big job. Minimum 6 hours plus with the right tools just to get the box off and on the car.

 

[Tempz]

If 350 to 400 of that is labour that is reasonable yes. Its a big job. Minimum 6 hours plus with the right tools just to get the box off and on the car.

Eye-watering tbh mate. Had a few mods planned but gonna have to put em all on hold.

 

[S3Alex]

Just an update; been quoted £675 to strip gearbox and replace bearings. Does this sound reasonable?

Sounds about right.

The rebuild on mine was around £800 with uprated bearings and new synchros.

 

[SootySport]

If the diff is toast, might as well stick an LSD back in.

 

[Tempz]

If the diff is toast, might as well stick an LSD back in.

If I had an S3, then certainly mate lol

 

[Tempz]

Update; gearbox bearings replaced at Driver Transmissions in Birmingham. Car drives great but theres this annoying low pitched whine when slowing down even in neutral. Nothing like the rough scraping noise before the repair though. I'm hoping its a case of the new bearings 'bedding in'. Tempted to take the car back to them though.