Newbie whine

[micromontenegro]

Hello from Venezuela! After much wishing for it, I finally got a Defender-a 1998 110 TDi. I am slowly fixing it up, but there is a whine that's got me stumped. It is something not unlike a gear whine that starts at 60-60 Km/h, and seems to come from the front. It relates to road speed, not engine speed. Does not vary under load or coasting, so I do not think it is the diff. Sounds relatively the same in third, fourth, fifth or neutral, so I do not think it is gearbox- but it seems to pause for a nanosecond when shifting gears. The centers of the rims feel nice and cool, so I don't think it is the wheel bearings either. Help! It is driving me crazy! :confused::confused::confused:

[wovenrovings]

I am not an expert but that only leaves the front diff.

Hopefully someone else knows how to check that, and will chime in.

[discowhite]

check the wheel bearings, they can whine when dry but usually they have more of a rumbling noise as well.

cheers phil

[Chucaro]

Welcome to the forum.

I agree with the above comments and also I would remove the front shaft to test the vehicle in 2WD mode .
It is important to keep your lubtication up to date. Grease the tails shafts, universals and wheel bearings/hubs very regulary.
I would adapt the rear bearings in the future to recieve the oil from the diff instead of using grease. You would need to change the seals for that.
You have a very nice vehicle ;)
Chau :)

[micromontenegro]

Thanks, folks. I'll get to the bearings and test without the propshaft this weekend and report accordingly.

[Chucaro]

Buena suerte amigo ;)

[micromontenegro]

Gracias!!! :)