M3 Evo - Whine - Opinions Please

[Oneday]

Morning fellow Pher's,

A bit of help if you will. Please bear in mind I am not a mech but I believe I have a little knowledge so I will do my best.

The car: M3 Evo - P97 - 120K

Works done within last week. New springs, new shocks, new top mounts and bushes. Prop balanced and wheels tracked - drives real sweet.

However, I have noticed a very slight whining sound from the rear. At first I attributed it to road noise etc (it really is that quiet) Any ideas on what this could be? I am thinking diff whine or wheel bearing. It is there all the time but is not constant in pitch and is very hard to hear over the varying road surfaces.

Opinions valued and I will elaborate as the opinions come in. What further info can I provide to assist you?

I don't think it is something to worry about but curiousity has got the better of me.

Thanks in advance!

[daz05]

Wheel bearing perhaps?

[Oneday]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I was thinking that. Am I right in thinking a wheel bearing will get louder and louder over time?

[daz05]

I think so yes. Go get it checked out. I'm not really a jedi on E36 M3. 'Asbo' is though so may be able to help.

Are you sure its coming from the rear, if not it may be the gearbox?

[Oneday]

I will get it checked out. I don't think it is the gearbox but I could be wrong. Thanks for your help.
Here's hoping it is a wheel bearing. Cheers...

[Jam Rock]

does it get louder/more noticable when you go round corners? if so deffo wheel bearing.
depending on which side it is at the rear, turning left/right will make it louder.

my evo has gone into my mechanic for this today, drivers side rear bearing, milage 123k! lol

[Oneday]

Jam Rock said:

does it get louder/more noticable when you go round corners? if so deffo wheel bearing.
depending on which side it is at the rear, turning left/right will make it louder.

I can only be honest and say I do not know. I will have to take it out tonight and listen up again to see what I can hear. I hope it is a wheel bearing and not the gearbox.

Cheers.

[duff]

I would have thought if you get up to 50mph and put it in neutral then the noise would still be present if it's the bearings or stop if it was transmission. I think a slight whine is fairly normal on these (from the diff/propshaft), mine certainly does slightly at low speeds.

Unless you know it's been done recently, change your diff and gearbox oil and see if this helps.