Mild howl from tyres or other problems?

Thanks Mick -- do you recall how many k's on the clock when the diff noise started?

As for a diff fix if needed at least the extended warranty is still in effect - unless they can figure a way to get out of it that is.....

Yeah, about 130ish, ignored for about 10000kms in which time it slowly got louder and the boss spoke up when it changed to obvious grinding / bits falling apart (not quite that bad but you know what I mean). Interestingly the noise started about 10000km after the diff oil had been changed ... Don't know if that was related ... But anyway all good now.

I've had howling tyres from wear and from memory they were noisy when decelerating but the worst noise was at about 80-90 on concrete surfaced roads. Does your noise change at all with road surface ? Probably something to consider.

It does change slightly with road surface but still there. Tomorrow I'm going to bump the tyre pressure in the front to 36psi from the OEM recommendation of 33psi where it is now, to see if that makes a difference.

I just don't think it's a diff at 82k -- but stranger things have happened. Vehicle never been hard off road or towed anything to speak of. When I bought it at 62k the hitch had never been out of the holder as the spare hitch key was still zip tied to the yoke!

If it changes with road surface I'd reckon it is pretty much certain to be tyres.

I suppose that leaves you with a very difficult question, one that is often asked around here ... what tyres next :woot:

Sounds like tyres

I'm feeling better by the minute!

Let's see - what tyres---- I don't do hard off road, mostly highway with some gravel roads and a bit of mud/clay in the paddocks in winter so a moderate AT would suit I reckon.

I'm thinking Pirelli Scorpion ATR (112H). Ozzy Tyres has them for $320 each at the mo. Can get them from KMart tyre for $380 fitted/balanced.

They get pretty good reviews at tyretest.com

Any negatives on these please feel free to speak out.

Well the buggy goes in for a F&R diff and transfer case fluid change. Howl still there and I'm now wondering if it could be front wheel bearings....

Will find out tomorrow and report back.

UPDATE TO HOWL:

Turned out to be front left wheel bearing (hub assembly). Dealer says $565 for hub and ~$200 fitting. I reckon I can do better than that....

Long gone are the good old days when one could pull the tapered bearings and pop in new ones themselves for $30....
Funny thing is the extended warranty would have been usable for the diff if that was it - wheel bearings are excluded of course.

On the bright side, at 83000km both front and rear diffs and the transfer case oils were in very good condition and could have made it easily to the 125k? recommended change-out, but glad to have done it anyway.

If anyone has changed out a wheel hub would you please advise how difficult the job was and if any special tools are required?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Do both sides I'd advise. You'll get both sides for less than the dealer has quoted for one. Google around for prices. Instructions can be found at [ame]http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/albums/userpics/17007/Discovery_3-4_Front_Wheel_Hub_replacement.pdf[/ame]

Easy job, about an hour or so per side.

Thanks Mick - appreciate you looking after me (us) here!
I can do that and have the tools needed including HD torque wrench.

Sorry but another question--- I found a hub for $240 - 1/2 of the dealer price available in Aussie . I'm pretty sure these would be aftermarket at that price.

In your opinion do you see any quality issues in the use of these? Vehicle gets general use in the slick paddocks and a bit of hilly stuff but no heavy towing and no heavy off road use.

Whadda ya think? :D