Whining Noise

I have a 2004 DC OR with V6 auto it’s making a whining noise similar to all terrain tires. I can push in neutral at 35 mph and the sound remains the same I’m thinking rear differential.

Any thoughts?

 

Tires, transfer case, Wheel bearings, differentials transmission? Does it get faster with speed? It consistent or only hot only cold only at certain speeds? Where does it sound like its coming from?

 

It’s not the tires they are new, Off Road with locking differential no transfer case, it’s only noticeable up to about 45 mph. At first I thought it was auto transmission but when I put it in neutral at around 35 mph the sound doesn’t go away. My hearing is not the best so it’s hard to tell where it’s coming from but I’m leaning toward rear differential.

I can hear the whining hot or cold.

 

So it's 2wd? New tires take time to break in. Sounds more like tires as tires will get quieter the faster you go. It could still be the transmission as the output side will still spin in neutral. Does the sound come and go with overdrive? Does it change loudness when you accelerate vs slow down?

 

I have had the truck for years I know the tire sound. I don’t think it’s the converter cause when I get close to over drive I can no longer hear it. Now that you mention out put side still turns in neutral it could be planetary gear? I’m kinda stumped maybe I should just drop by and let a transmission tech give a test drive.

 

You can jack it up so the wheels are off the ground and drive it and crawl underneath with a prybar and listen to everything.

 

I may give that a try sound like a good idea.

 

My rear whined no matter the speed. Obviously the faster I went the higher pitched the whine. I would especially notice it when letting off the pedal at highway speeds. Swapped the 3rd member, sounds good. Besides my transmission trouble now

 

Sounds just like mine. Thanks

 

although listening to a car is good for diagnosing, lots of people would prefer the car on a lift.. to each their own but some may call this a somewhat sketchy method.

 

Most definitely on a lift with a stethoscope.

 

Wondering if you figured out what it was? I have similar issue... driving me insane.

 

Unfortunately not yet I don’t drive it much so I haven’t looked into it. I plan to take it by a transmission shop to rule that out maybe next week. As soon as I know something I message you.