I hear what sounds like a gear whine from the rear of the car (top up, radio off), I did a search, but couldn't get a straight answer. I know nobody can hear the whine, but is some normal?. BTW it whines whether the car is in gear or neutral coming to a stop and gets higher pitched when speed increases. Has anyone experienced a similar concern?

 

Sounds like it could be either you rear diff or one of your wheel bearings. Have you checked your diff fluid lately? If it's a wheel bearing, that side's hub may feel much hotter than the other side after a lengthy drive without using the brakes too much.

 

I check the hubs for excess heat after almost every +10 minute drive and they all feel the same. As for the rear diff... I havent changed the oil since I bought the car about 6 weeks ago but could this be causing the problem? How much noise, if any, should one expect from a flawless rear diff? None whatsoever?

 

Is it the stock diff and gears? How do you know it's "flawless"? A normal diff would make no noise that you can hear inside the car.

 

Actually, my diff has made that noise for a long time now. My GF's '03 makes the same noise, but much quieter. And the '04 I used to have was nearly (but not entirely) silent.

My experience leads me to believe it's normal for the car, especially older ones like we have. I haven't noticed any issues with the diff - and a fluid change makes no difference. Unless it blows up, I'm not going to worry.

 

I just went for a ride in my friend's 02 with like 20k miles and mine is noticeably louder than his. Can anyone else report on some tranny whine noises? Thanks

 

I have the same problem as he does , I have brought it to a brake shop and to the dealer and they cant find out what is wrong, the only thing i felt different is a a really slight slip in my clucth and a little power lag and thats it. They scheduled to take my tranny down on monday but im reluctant to do so. ill keep you guys posted