Diff Noise
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Bournemouth, Dorset
Ok....
So this is still getting louder. Couldn't hear it with the roof down a couple of months ago, and now can quite easily.
Went out yesterday for another listen. I'm pretty sure it's not the diff.
It's a whine / whistle noise at low speeds < 30 MPH. Quiet on acceleration, loud on deceleration. Goes away when clutch down. Very loud when clutch partially engaged whilst moving.
I've looked at some of the US threads and no one could make their mind up between release bearing or input shaft bearing. It does not make the noise when stationary with either clutch in or out.
So this is still getting louder. Couldn't hear it with the roof down a couple of months ago, and now can quite easily.
Went out yesterday for another listen. I'm pretty sure it's not the diff.
It's a whine / whistle noise at low speeds < 30 MPH. Quiet on acceleration, loud on deceleration. Goes away when clutch down. Very loud when clutch partially engaged whilst moving.
I've looked at some of the US threads and no one could make their mind up between release bearing or input shaft bearing. It does not make the noise when stationary with either clutch in or out.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 500
Likes: 1
From: Kent, UK
To update I had my diff changed, and there is no difference in the sound so that rules that out. (It needed changing anyway as it lost a ocuple of teeth as found during the oil change). The reality of it is i'm certain it's the gearbox bearing, in fact I know it is! I have no intention of paying £1k though to get it sorted so the radio just gets turned up!
It's really depressing though to be honest!
EDIT: Just realised yours changes sound with clutch depression, mine doesn't. Mine changes with speed only, if I put clutch in our out, in neutral etc the noise doesn't change. I think mines common but worse than it should be. If next time you are driving, carefully rest your head on the arm rest in the middle just below the handbrake leaver, you will hear the noise I hear, accept I can hear it just sitting normally! When the top is down though I can't hear it!
It's really depressing though to be honest!
EDIT: Just realised yours changes sound with clutch depression, mine doesn't. Mine changes with speed only, if I put clutch in our out, in neutral etc the noise doesn't change. I think mines common but worse than it should be. If next time you are driving, carefully rest your head on the arm rest in the middle just below the handbrake leaver, you will hear the noise I hear, accept I can hear it just sitting normally! When the top is down though I can't hear it!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 0
From: Cromer Norfolk
To update I had my diff changed, and there is no difference in the sound so that rules that out. (It needed changing anyway as it lost a ocuple of teeth as found during the oil change). The reality of it is i'm certain it's the gearbox bearing, in fact I know it is! I have no intention of paying £1k though to get it sorted so the radio just gets turned up!
It's really depressing though to be honest!
EDIT: Just realised yours changes sound with clutch depression, mine doesn't. Mine changes with speed only, if I put clutch in our out, in neutral etc the noise doesn't change. I think mines common but worse than it should be. If next time you are driving, carefully rest your head on the arm rest in the middle just below the handbrake leaver, you will hear the noise I hear, accept I can hear it just sitting normally! When the top is down though I can't hear it!
It's really depressing though to be honest!
EDIT: Just realised yours changes sound with clutch depression, mine doesn't. Mine changes with speed only, if I put clutch in our out, in neutral etc the noise doesn't change. I think mines common but worse than it should be. If next time you are driving, carefully rest your head on the arm rest in the middle just below the handbrake leaver, you will hear the noise I hear, accept I can hear it just sitting normally! When the top is down though I can't hear it!
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 475
Likes: 0
From: Cheshire
Id put it down to input shaft bearings in the gearbox if the sound dissapears when you push the pedal in.
I have the same thing, I've bought a low mileage gearbox (29k apparently) in a bid to cure this and my worn synchro problem. Reading that yours is doing it at 30k makes me nervous about my new box, which is currently on the garage floor strapped to the pallet it came on. My cars a 52 plate on 79k.
I have the same thing, I've bought a low mileage gearbox (29k apparently) in a bid to cure this and my worn synchro problem. Reading that yours is doing it at 30k makes me nervous about my new box, which is currently on the garage floor strapped to the pallet it came on. My cars a 52 plate on 79k.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,748
Likes: 4
From: Northamptonshire
I wouldn't worry about the age of the box. The one I have for sale is from an MY00 with 90k on it and it's perfect.
They do ALL have a whine/kettle whistling noise though regardless of age from my experience. My MY04 had it with 16k on the clock, MY00 with 90k and also my current MY02 with 65k on it.
They do ALL have a whine/kettle whistling noise though regardless of age from my experience. My MY04 had it with 16k on the clock, MY00 with 90k and also my current MY02 with 65k on it.