Whining noise, from the rear

[JohnG238]

Hello
Over the last few week, my A3 quattro, (8V TDI, 150 BHP, 58,000 miles) has developed a whining noise that appears to be coming from the rear of the car.
(no jokes, there’s no one sat in the back)
I have replaced the tyres, as they were ready, but the noise remains. (Not tyres)
I can hear it between 45 and 60 MPH, the same road speed related noise in any gear (4,5,6) or freewheeling out of gear. (Gearbox, not suspected)
Cornering or breaking do not change the noise (Wheel bearings, not suspected)
I have searched the forums and seen posts relating to rear diff, whining and failure, is this common on the lower powered A3 quattro’s?
Any help / advise would be greatly appreciated.
JohnG

 

[JohnM100]

It’s better known on the S3 probably because there are more of them.

Without seeing / hearing it there are several possibilities but your investigational logic is sound.

Have you tried draining / changing the oil in the rear diff to see if anything changes?

 

[JohnG238]

It’s better known on the S3 probably because there are more of them.

Without seeing / hearing it there are several possibilities but your investigational logic is sound.

Have you tried draining / changing the oil in the rear diff to see if anything changes?

Good call, sounds like a good next step. Thank you.

 

[JohnG238]

It’s better known on the S3 probably because there are more of them.

Without seeing / hearing it there are several possibilities but your investigational logic is sound.

Have you tried draining / changing the oil in the rear diff to see if anything changes?

It is the rear diff. What should I be expecting to pay for a new rear diff?

 

[JohnG238]

It is the rear diff. What should I be expecting to pay for a new rear diff?

 

[The Kelty Caveman]

It is the rear diff. What should I be expecting to pay for a new rear diff?

Not sure how much they are for your car, won’t be cheap though.
A transmission specialist might be able to refurb it/exchange for a refurbed one which will be much cheaper.
The complete S3 diff costs just over £5k including vat, ask me how I know lol.

 

[JohnG238]

.

 

[JohnG238]

Hello
Over the last few week, my A3 quattro, (8V TDI, 150 BHP, 58,000 miles) has developed a whining noise that appears to be coming from the rear of the car.
(no jokes, there’s no one sat in the back)
I have replaced the tyres, as they were ready, but the noise remains. (Not tyres)
I can hear it between 45 and 60 MPH, the same road speed related noise in any gear (4,5,6) or freewheeling out of gear. (Gearbox, not suspected)
Cornering or breaking do not change the noise (Wheel bearings, not suspected)
I have searched the forums and seen posts relating to rear diff, whining and failure, is this common on the lower powered A3 quattro’s?
Any help / advise would be greatly appreciated.
JohnG

Hello, for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, it was the rear diff.

 

[The Kelty Caveman]

Hello, for anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation, it was the rear diff.

Complete new/refurbed diff or was it salvageable?

Mine needs a prop shaft too, happy days.

 

[JohnG238]

Complete new/refurbed diff or was it salvageable?

Mine needs a prop shaft too, happy days.

I now have a refurbed rear diff. It's good to have my quattro back.

 

[The Kelty Caveman]

It's good to have my quattro back.

At this moment in time I’d just be happy with my car back .
They’ve had it two weeks and I’m stuck driving my Clio.