Whiny noise coming from rear end (diff or axle)

[///dakarkyle]

The noise changes as speed goes up. The pitch of the noise gets higher as I go faster. Has no change if I'm in gear or not. Do I need to rebuild the diff? Get a new axel? Has anyone else fixed a similar problem? when on the lift the car did not make the noise. I've had the noise since I've owned it under a year or so. Car has 260k miles

[LeeVuong]

If the pitch changes it might be the diff indeed

if it sounds more like constant grinding, it could be a wheel bearing.

Lee

[///dakarkyle]

The pitch gets higher and no grinding

[Rajvosa]

i had something similar as you describe. mine was a high pitch noise. ended up being a wheel bearing.

i put the back of the car on jack stands and had my friend 'drive' while i listened to the noise location. mine was coming from behind the hub where the output shaft went in...

[///schwartzman]

My vote is for the diff bearings. It starts low and tolerable takes about 20k miles then it gets loud and unbearable at driving speeds. If its not too bad you can try Redline Heavyweight (pink) fluid it will help a bit if its not too far gone.

[Freude Am Fahren]

Does the quality of the noise change when you hit a bump? If it does, wheel bearing or CV joint, if not, most likely the diff. Best of luck mate.

[dspock]

I'm in the middle of this issue right now. I just finished my rear wheels bearings and axles so was pretty sure (praying) that it wasn't either of those. Took the car out for her maiden voyage and as I turn corners there was a rubbery "groaning" coming from the rear wheels. My neighbor and I jacked the car, put it on stands. I blocked one wheel with a chunk of fire wood and then he turned the other wheel by hand as I listened under the car with a stethescope (not that I needed it).....it's definitely my diff.

Mine makes the noise when I'm turning but not while going straight. I didn't get her up to highway speeds to see if it made a high-pitched whine.

Another data point for you.

[ColinM]

You might try adding some limited slip additive to your diff oil and see if the problem goes away.

[SportsCarAdvisor]

I am experiencing this same wining noise (could also characterize it as a hummm or a droning) from my rear end right now. About 127K miles, just had a diff flush at my shop and it seems that did not help. doing wheel bearings as we speak so hoping that perhaps that is it.

whining gets higher pitched and slightly louder as speed goes up. any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[SportsCarAdvisor]

I am pleased to report that a a diff flush as well as changing out the left and right rear wheel bearings solved this whining noise issue from the rear end. SO, much better. Also switched out an old custom exhaust to a rogue engineering exhaust and it really is much better. car actually feels more responsive. lovin it.

[monovich]

I think I may have this exact sound as well. I've only driven the car a few times so I'm still listening for what is normal. Mine seems to be intermittent so far but at least I've got a starting point for troubleshooting thanks to this thread.

[dspock]

I think I may have this exact sound as well. I've only driven the car a few times so I'm still listening for what is normal. Mine seems to be intermittent so far but at least I've got a starting point for troubleshooting thanks to this thread.

Try this: roll up your windows, get her up to 50 mph, coast with clutch in (or the car out of gear) and it will help single out the noise since the S14 makes a healthy contribution during normal driving.

Loved your intro video by the way. I have an Alpine White too so the pics were a bonus. Welcome to the club.

[Ron ///Man]

Generally wheel bearing noise gets worse in a corner and less going straight. If the noise is continuous in straights and corners, it's likely the diff.
Most continuous diff noise that increases with speed is a bad input shaft bearing. At higher miles, it's the most likely source.

[dspock]

Generally wheel bearing noise gets worse in a corner and less going straight. If the noise is continuous in straights and corners, it's likely the diff.
Most continuous diff noise that increases with speed is a bad input shaft bearing. At higher miles, it's the most likely source.

Based on what you've said here Ron,I'm beginning to think the replacement diff I bought is a dud and that I have this issue. I just replaced my rear wheels bearings (and swapped out the diff) and its making the noise you describe.

Do you rebuild diffs or do you know of anyone in lower Westchester who rebuilds them? I'm in Hartsdale.

[SportsCarAdvisor]

Generally wheel bearing noise gets worse in a corner and less going straight. If the noise is continuous in straights and corners, it's likely the diff.
Most continuous diff noise that increases with speed is a bad input shaft bearing. At higher miles, it's the most likely source.

interesting about the input shaft bearing. all's quiet and smooth on my car now, but should any noise return, that will be helpful to know to look at. Thanks Ron. (fyi had the work done before that track day where I saw you!) :-)