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Old 09-14-2015, 12:49 PM
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Growling noise on deceleration -- UPDATE

In gear (D), or out (N), my X5 makes a growling noise that I think is coming from the front diff, or the t-case -- can't tell which one. This is a new noise that started on Saturday evening. I pulled the left front tire to check the brakes in preparation for a road trip, and then drove the car and it was fine. The Mrs. took it to San Diego, and says the noise began on the way home.

The symptom is that the noise is not there when driving, it is only there when coasting. Shifting into N does not change the pitch or volume. I don't think the CV joints are involved, else the noise would be there when turning, and is a different noise anyhow.

I have to drive to the airport on Wed, and plan my road trip on Sunday. I'm not sure where to begin looking for the source of the noise.

I could drop the drive shaft, this would eliminate or confirm that the noise is from the t-case, what other tests can I do?

++++++++++++++++++

Pinion Shaft Bearing was the problem.

Under load the shaft moves one way and the thrust on the bearing is minimal, if any. On deceleration, the weight of the vehicle pushes the shaft into the thrust bearing and the loading on the bearing is very high. When the bearing is worn (I am not sure how or why this happens) the noise it generates is loud. When I first heard it, we were on an errand that took 2-ish miles to complete so we forged on. The mechanic is less than 10 miles, so about 20 miles round trip on surface streets. 10 more miles back for service to be done, so about 35 miles from when I first heard the noise to when I left the car for service. The noise changed in that time, and became worse.

So, if your X5 starts making a noise from the front end when you let off of the gas, you have about 50 miles, depending on how fast you are going and how often you let off the gas, before the pinion bearing gives up completely. You mileage may vary, but you are not going to be driving for long.

RealOEM.com does not list internal parts to the front diff, although I see no reason why a transmission supply would not carry this part. I wish I was not constrained by time and a schedule that was set in stone, else I think I could have fixed this. The mechanic charged 8 hours.

Last edited by jdstrickland; 10-02-2015 at 03:59 PM.
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Old 09-14-2015, 03:40 PM
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The noise is definitely coming out of the front diff. When turning the front ties by hand, there is a scraping noise that sorta sounds like sheet metal rubbing on something. I suspect there is no sheet metal inside of the diff, but that's what the noise reminds me of.

If anybody cares, the drain and fill plugs on the diff. are a 14mm Allen.

Last edited by jdstrickland; 09-15-2015 at 10:42 AM.
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Old 09-14-2015, 03:49 PM
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Could your rotors be touching the dust shields?
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Old 09-14-2015, 04:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joshdub View Post
Could your rotors be touching the dust shields?
No. The sheet metal sound is only while the vehicle is on jack stands. When it's on the ground and being driven, the noise is a loud growling sound. It comes during coasting only, not while under load.
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Old 09-15-2015, 10:47 AM
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I took it in for diagnostics, and they came to the same conclusion.
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Old 09-15-2015, 03:21 PM
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If i may ask (only because you don't have a signature or any vehicle info listed)...what is your model/model year? I can't tell if you have the early AWD system or xDrive.
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Old 09-16-2015, 03:47 PM
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Sorry about the vehicle info., it's an '05, 3.0L.
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Old 01-03-2018, 12:36 AM
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I'm having the exact same symptoms on my 3.0L. Mine even has some oil leaking and there's some play (on the front diff side) when I grab the shaft and shake it. Which bearing was it?

I'm not sure if I should replace the bad bearing or just buy a used diff.
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