Thread: D3 - High-pitched whine, rear diff

Hi guys,

Am posting this as a resource for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation and is looking for information. I know I have got a lot of use and great information from this site when researching my car, and buying it so here is me trying to give something back. Apologies in advance for the long post, I can be quite verbose, and this is in no way a rant. I love my car.

About a month ago I bought my first Land Rover - a 2006 HSE TDV6 D3 - from a dealership, and after a long period of researching D3s and their known issues. The vehicle is my gateway to getting out bush with my young boys, and doing long trips back to South Australia in comfort - just not yet.

The vehicle I bought had been well looked after, and had only recently been traded for a new D4. On top of the HSE specs it has dual batteries, Logic7 sound, dual fuel tanks, electronic brake controller for trailers and a full and concise service history at a known independent LR specialist. The car had done a lot of kilometres (217k) but on first inspection, in the condition it had been brought in by the previous owner, it had been well looked after. The previous owner, who had owned it from new, had had the timing belt changed on time and had had the auto trans replaced during his ownership. He had towed a camper van though, so I had no idea how hard the vehicle had worked but the engine seemed fine, and still seems strong.

When test driving the vehicle I noted a slight high-pitched whine which came on at about 50kph and only with throttle. It would increase with acceleration and be at its loudest at about 70kph. At first I thought it might just be a sign of the vehicle's age and it did sound like drive train to me. I asked the dealer to look into this, among a few other things, but I bought the car anyway as it was a good deal and a good price.

The dealer had the car serviced, and gearbox serviced and advised me that the "noise" I had heard was the gearbox according to the mechanics. In hindsight I probably should have challenged this assumption, because it didn't sound anything like the gearbox and the whine didn't go away with the service. It sounded ominously like bearings to me. Anyway I took the vehicle, which is awesome and have rather enjoyed it so far despite the whine and even though I have not yet experienced the use of Terrain Response.

I have owned this vehicle for about a month and have put up with the whine, which increases from 50kph through to 90kph after which it quietens but develops into a high-pitched whir/shudder that sounds like a propeller. It only seems to come about with throttle and I have been very conscious to block out the tyre noise I also have (as I have 265/60/r18 Cooper at3s on). It just didn't sound right, and I reckon it was getting louder as I drove it more.

Took it back to the dealer today, as it still under warranty, and took a mechanic for a spin so that they could hear the noise themselves. Their immediate diagnosis was front diff, so left them to look at it for the day. I had an oil leak from the front too. Came back this arvo, and after a proper look at it they have advised that the rear diff is just about shot, the oil was full of very fine metal shavings; it looked grey not black! So looks like I will be getting a reconditioned rear diff.

This all makes sense given the vehicles history all and fact that it has towed a camper van for god knows how many kilometres. Perils of buying a second hand 4wd I guess.

At least I can be a bit more confident going out bush now that I have less chance of losing a diff.

I hope this is useful for anyone in a similar situation. If you hear a high-pitched whine, and it is linked to your throttle control: check your Diffs. I have read many other posts on wheel bearings but not that many on Diffs.

Thanks. Hope I haven't put anyone to sleep.

Hello all,

So I picked up the car yesterday - both Diffs replaced, at their cost. No more whining diff noise. Took long enough, but I am stoked to have the car back.

So I guess I will now see how long it takes for the transfer case to die...

Look forward to waving at friendly D3/4/RRS drivers around Canberra.

James