Whine or Whining noises
#136
Instructor
Tecman, I can’t say I’m experiencing the same symptoms as you. I don’t have an bumps or shifting issues at all. I just notice a constant hum that is faint at 60mph and a little more pronounced at say 80mph. I have 105k miles and as a precaution I may do a couple AT fluid drain and fills, which originally I was against on the whole change don’t change transmission fluids. I called my Lexus dealer and the service advisor said absolutely not unless I tow and I would just be “asking for problems”. I have already serviced the rear diff and transfer case fluids about 30k miles ago so I believe good there. While I had my wheels off for summer switch over I checked for bearing issues and I only noticed a little side to side play and no top to bottom at all.
#137
Instructor
I put the tire pressure up from 32 to 35 psi and the humming is very faint and almost not noticeable at this point. I don’t really like running 35 psi because I already feel the ride is too stiff to begin with but it did remedy the sound and I probably gained a little better MPG’s which with the prices was the deal breaker.
#139
Instructor
#140
Driver School Candidate
Update for those with the whining from the drivetrain while coasting. I took it to a mechanic who confirmed the issue was a worn pinion gear in the front diff. Hope this helps other folks looking for answers!
#141
Driver School Candidate
Car is safe to drive with the noise, but it will likely get louder over time. If it's that annoying (and mine was), best bet is to replace the diff or get it rebuilt.
#142
Instructor
Mechanic confirmed it was a worn front diff pinion gear. Options are: replace front diff with a used one, a $$$ new one, or find a rebuild kit.
Car is safe to drive with the noise, but it will likely get louder over time. If it's that annoying (and mine was), best bet is to replace the diff or get it rebuilt.
Car is safe to drive with the noise, but it will likely get louder over time. If it's that annoying (and mine was), best bet is to replace the diff or get it rebuilt.
#143
Driver School Candidate
I may be in the same situation. I haven’t been able to locate source of my slight whine. I was leaning towards wheel bearing but I jacked it up and wheels seem decent…not sure at 60 mph if that changes. Also I know I’m in need of chassis lune in all 6 zerks. What type of money we talking about if it’s the pinion gear?
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ROSCOGX470 (04-22-22)
#144
Super Moderator
Last edited by Acrad; 04-17-22 at 12:28 PM.
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ErnestPho (04-18-22)
#145
Instructor
#146
Super Moderator
Not something I would personally tackle. I need to have some of this disassembly done in the rear for installation of my locker. I am deferring to a qualified shop.
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ROSCOGX470 (04-22-22)
#147
Intermediate
Last edited by IanG; 04-22-22 at 04:36 PM.
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ROSCOGX470 (04-23-22)
#148
Instructor
I have done a number of differentials and this is not something the average DIY can do. The bearings on the carrier and pinion are pressed on, the depth of the pinion is controlled by shims behind the pinion bearing (every change in pinion depth means pressing on and off the bearing), also the backlash and preload on the carrier is adjusted by shims. If you get the pinion depth, backlash or preload wrong the gears will howl like nothing you have experienced and there will be excessive gear wear.
#149
Instructor
I have done a number of differentials and this is not something the average DIY can do. The bearings on the carrier and pinion are pressed on, the depth of the pinion is controlled by shims behind the pinion bearing (every change in pinion depth means pressing on and off the bearing), also the backlash and preload on the carrier is adjusted by shims. If you get the pinion depth, backlash or preload wrong the gears will howl like nothing you have experienced and there will be excessive gear wear.
#150
Intermediate
I will def use an Indy shop that does that work. What would your labor estimate be to say change out a pinion bearing in the front? That’s where the whining sound is coming from if it is indeed the pinion. I see that the entire kit Acrad listed above was over $700 but that seemed to be every part included.
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ROSCOGX470 (04-23-22)