I forget the exact name of the part but it puts pressure on the timing chain guide and is an easy fix if the cause. You said driver side but not knowing what country you are in that didn't tell us left or right side. Note: a big oil leak killed my alternator so get your oil leak fixed before it starts taking out other items


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Wife's x5 had a big oil leak was the seal on the right CV


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If the right o-ring for the hub seal support housing or the hub seal itself was leaking hopefully you went and replace the Differential OIL that leaked out. That is not a seal for engine oil.

Like everyone has said, the OFHG and vanos line are typically done together. Plenty of "while you're in there" items to inspect as well if you DIY this big job. I would say start it early on Saturday AM and finish up by Sunday afternoon. Split into two days.

Here's my OFHG DIY guide on an X5 3.0i

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYCgnUkDvJk

Since so much has to come out, not a bad time to do a water pump, thermostat, belts.

I think I made an incorrect observation. I thought had engine oil on the inboard side of the right CV. I thought it came from the end of the CV but I didn't follow up and the car is still consuming oil I thought it had stopped.

I'm having what seems like drive train noise that could be a drive shaft, CV out now that to mentioned, differential. I need to track that down before I send a gear from the differential out the bottom of the oil pan.

I replaced a worn bearing which helped but didn't eliminate the whirr.

I noticed the other day the outer boot on the right CV split so I wouldn't be surprised if that outer joint is damaged and causing the noise

If the noise appears when you are on the gas, but lessen when you are off the gas or just coasting, the differential crown and pinion gear are burnt due to a lack of lubricant. The wear surface is rough because the gears overheated. I would check the level of the differential fluid to verify that it is up to the oil fill cap so you don't do any more damage to the differential.

The noise doesn't really go away I'm hoping it's just the last of four bearings but it feels like some vibration/noise below me (driver ) indicating drive shaft or transfer case.

It's subtle I will check the dfferential asap. I want to remove the bottom plate to get a good look to squash the oil leak problem with that car. I did not notice oil on the inner side of the right CV after I replaced it but if it was gear oil not engine oil that could be the cause of the noise as it does sound gear-y. (but don't notice a difference power on power off or neutral for that matter). My copy has no drive train noise at all. I can hear wind and tires when I'm driving that's it. Wife's car I hear a subtle moan. It was howling and I determined it was the bearing. A second time also bearing. Third time I changed the suspect bearing and the sound wasn't much different but I was starting to get a vibration in the steering wheel which disappeared. I only have one more original bearing remaining so I'll preemptively replace that but also check the dif oil level (and suck out a bit to examine). Thanks for the feedback I actually wasn't aware the differential used gear oil I thought with the 8 Qt capacity the car used engine oil for the differential.

I have winter tires on the car that have the less than desirable effect of sounding just like a worn bearing at slow speed but wife and I have identical tires and my car doesn't have the drive train sounds wife's car has.

I'm thinking I'll put a remote camera/mic under the car to see if can determine the source before it ever becomes more than subtle


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