Gentlemen,

 

The patient is a 2007 OBW LTD 2.5 with 130 000 km (78 000 miles).

Slowly over the last 3 months a medium pitched whine/howl has developed from the driver's side rear area. It is speed related, gets louder at highway speeds, but does not change pitch when loading up the wheel hub bearing by weaving the car side to side.

 

I replaced the rear hub yesterday and found the old one had a small amount of slop in it, as well as a slight roughness when turning it in my hand. It needed replacement by my judgement.

 

However, the whine/howl is still there but has changed in pitch somewhat from the original annoyance. While just as loud as before, it does not sound the same.

 

While it is possible that the new hub is bad, I'm assuming that my next course of action is to check out the axle shaft and the rear differential.

 

Has anyone else experienced the same sort of circumstances?

I know the newer models have trouble with wheel bearings. The other side could be bad as well. Rear diffs rarely make noise on these. Typically they see no load, so unless the oil has all leaked out there is rarely any wear.

Differentials can often make noise without there being any serious damage. But they typically do this only when under load.

Fairtax4me,

 

I climbed into the rear of the wagon and had my wife do a short run up to speed. Duh! The noise now appears to be isolated more from the passenger side.

 

 

I ordered another hub for the other side today. It'll be here in 2 days and into the car 2 hours later. If that doesn't cure the whine ...... I'll have to tear more apart. I'll keep you posted.