06 X5 3.0i E53 howling when accelerating at 55mphh+

[Optllizer]

Hello. I own a e53 x5 3.0i that just hit 200k miles. Its been doing well this past year or so but I just noticed a weird howling noise from the rear when accelerating at 55mph+. Its intermittent. I know its not the wheel bearing.


The sound isn't there when accelerating at low speeds. I changed diff oil last year and transfer case oil 2 years ago. Maybe its a exhaust leak? i don't know. Ill try and record it the next time it happens but is there anything I could check?

Thanks.

[andrewwynn]

The prime suspect if it's under load is either CSB or giubo.

If it goes away when costing your likely correct not the bearing

[X5chemist]

CSB = drive shaft carrier bearing
Reach under and grab the driveshaft. Does the center bearing have a lot of play?

[Optllizer]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The prime suspect if it's under load is either CSB or giubo.

If it goes away when costing your likely correct not the bearing

Alright, ill check both.

Originally Posted by X5chemist

CSB = drive shaft carrier bearing
Reach under and grab the driveshaft. Does the center bearing have a lot of play?

Yeah Ill crawl under there and see if it has play.


One thing I noticed today is that it only at 55-60 mile range. When I hit 65+ pressing the gas it doesnt have an howling.