Hi People,

Now, I know these motors can suffer from clunks and whines around the back end, notably pre-2009 models.

I have just begun to notice a low 'ish' drone coming from the back set area. It's not very loud and may be other factors to consider like worn tyres or a wheel bearing. Seeing as though I have no real idea what a busted pinion ring or other component sounds like, just wondered if anyone could describe there own experiences so I can at least compare.

It is notable over 45-50mph and increases is intensity to a steady hum. decreases with speed decrease also. Makes the same noise in or out of gear. Not overpowering and someone else probably wouldn't even notice it. Maybe I'm just paranoid.

No sounds going around bends or turning sharply.

Any thoughts before I deposit her to the garage for a diagnosis?

Cheers,

Fred

I have had rear diff noise, then rear wheel bearing noise, and then noisy rear tyres and they all sounded the same to me and the dealer. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

This does not fill me with confidence!

Normally you would hear it at very low speed & it would get louder as you pick up speed if it starts @ 45-50mph check tyres first.

Have just done a couple of long hauls ~1000 miles each so maybe tyres are the culprit.

Does long motorway stints put undue stress on the rear diff in these?

Mine like a 747 taking off

Rear wheel bearing lower pitched rumble. Andy
Freelander2 HSE (59 Plate, MY10 spec)

Could try swapping tyres front to rear to eliminate them?

When my diff bearing went it only happened when coasting, and it was totally obvious what it was because it was the loudest howling I've ever heard from a car!

robbyvrs wrote:

Could try swapping tyres front to rear to eliminate them?

Mudpuggler,

When mine started to make noise I had to turn off the radio and it was most noticeable during deceleration.

As for what it sounds like?

The sound is like cutting steel on a Lathe, not an aggressive cut more of a finishing cut, if you know what that sounds like.


I agree with the others that wheel bearing sound very similar to the pinion bearing.


To determine if the pinion bearing is the source of the noise just buy a drain plug with a magnet.

If the magnet collects some fine black dust then it is likely the bearing.

To be certain that it is the bearing remove the drain plug every week and wipe it off to confirm that you are still collecting black dust.

After about 8 or 10 weeks one of two things will happen.

1. The amount of black dust will get worse and the noise will get louder and you will become friends with Austin at Bell Engineering

2. The amount of black dust will become less and less and the noise may disappear or if it remains then you should look at the wheel bearings.

If you are lucky enough to get option #2 then you should change the gear oil and continue to monitor the magnet and the noise to see if the pinion bearing fails.

In my case I was lucky and I got option #2; its been 70,000 miles since I first heard the noise.

Good luck

Paul

Edit this drain plug should work and its available in the UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Plug-AP-05S-...rds=AP-05S

Thanks for the suggestion and link. Useful to know.

Cheers

I fitted the magnetic plug that P_Gill recommended a while back and saw the black debris and noise increase just as he says above in this thread.

When I drove away when everything was cold and then coasted I could hear a whirr whirr whirr from the back end which built up with speed to the whine.

As also said above, I got to know Austen and fitted one of his diffs - all quiet since. FL2 HSE Auto Galway Green
Evoque SD4 Auto Blue.
FL1 HSE TD4 Manual Black - Gone.
RR Classic V8 EFI - Gone

Appreciate all the replies.

I have had a look at the Bell Engineering web page and will use this route if there is a problem.

Thanks to everyone.

Pedro,

I am glad to hear that you you tried the magnet.

Its always very helpful when other forum members can confirm the diagnosis.

And I am also glad to hear that you had a good experience with Bell Engineering, every post that I've read where our fellow Freel2 members went to Bell Engineering has been very positive.


Mudpuggler,

Good luck with what ever you decide to do.


Happy Motoring

Paul

Last edited by p_gill on 17th Jan 2018 8:57 pm. Edited 1 time in total

p_gill wrote:

Mudpuggler,

Edit this drain plug should work and its available in the UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gold-Plug-AP-05S-...rds=AP-05S