I have a strange whining noise coming from what sounds like the rear of my car when driving.?

Question

I have a R Reg C200 automatic, with around 105,000 miles on the clock.
It is regularlry serviced. Over the last 2 months I have started hearing a strange humming/whining noise when driving. It seems to be at its worse at around 70 mph. It also seems to be very apparent when slowing down to a stop. I know it is not the bearings as I had these replaced and did not make the remotest impact on the noise.
Any idea what it can be?

Answer 1

I believe the C200 has rear wheel drive. If this is the case, it will have what is called a differential gearbox or "diff"

The diff has a number of gears in it, that when under normal normal driving conditions, the teeth of these gears press together quite hard. However, when slowing down, that pressure on the teeth reduces, allowing something called "backlash" to come into play. This backlash can produce a whining noise.

If the diff is failing, be prepared for a large bill.

Answer 2

Whole lot of things this could be. Rear axle final drive, drive-shafts and yes the bearings - sound like whoever did these for you didn't know how to diagnose the whine. Bearings will whine constantly, the final drive and shafts will only whine when under pressure from the engine either during acceleration or engine braking. To test drive the car at about 50 mph - stab the throttle - but not enough to activate the kick-down, if the noise gets worse it is very likely to be the drive axle. Next at about 60 mph knock the car into neutral and use the brakes only to slow down - if the noise appears now it's the drive-shafts. It's all about applying pressure to the components that are likely to be making the noise.

Answer 3

DO NOT keep driving the vehicle as it sounds like your rear end is failing! There are bearings in there that have become defective
and if you continue to drive it your repair bill will become astronomical because you will be replacing housing and all! Right now it might be just bearings and races, ring and pinion which will only be a fraction of a new rear end!

Answer 4

It might be 2 things check your U Joints if it is a rear drive car and also if it is a rear drive car check the rearend pinion gears they might be getting worn that would cause a whinning noise. It could also mean if you have a driveshaft it could be out of balance with something as simple as weight gone off the driveshaft

Answer 5

Could be a hub bearing, a driveshaft, if it is a RWD vehicle then check the gear oil level in the differential, The trans is a possibilty. Just run it down to a local garage. Should take too long to pinpoint the problem.
good luck............

Answer 6

Try checking your tires. If your tires are unevenly worn or simply unbalanced, it can result in a 'groaning' or 'humming' or 'whining' sound. Most tire shops will evaluate this situation free of charge. Resolution, however, costs extra. Good luck!

Answer 7

bad whining noise from what seems to be the rear of the car. I suggest you remove the mother in law from the back seat.

Answer 8

Have the rearend checked out, however if this is a front wheel drive car then it has to be the bearings. Take it to another mechanic, because it has to be something with the wheels. Maybe it's the brake pads or discs.

Answer 9

It's the bearings I'm afraid, get them checked out. They may not have been replaced, merely tightened up - something I've experienced myself. Go to a different mechanic.

Answer 10

probably the missus mate moaning you are too close, you are going too fast, mind that cyclist, etc...
sorry about that, have you had the gear box oil checked?
there could be an air leak in the intake area of the engine bay, but i would check the gear box oil first.
good luck