Hi, i've had a noise problem for a while but its just recently got worse. I have a whining noise from the rear and at first thought it was the rear differential, so i changed the oil and it made no difference, I then changed the filter and oil in the haldex system but no luck there either I checked both wheel bearings and they were fine also. Then I noticed the n/s (uk) driveshaft is covered in old thick oil. Could this be the cause?

Its a really loud drowning whine that gets louder the faster you go and only sounds when easing of the gas. As soon as you accelerate it goes. I've noticed that if I drop it into neutral the noise is still there, so not gearbox.

Sorry to go on, but the longer I leave this the worse its going to get and i'm worried its going to seize and cost $$$$$$$

Heres a pic of the oil, it looks very strange

btw its an Audi s3 8l 2001

Thanks guys,

Allan

 

Sorry to be a pain, just wondering if anyone has any ideas? Some people say dif, others say driveshaft.

 

That's preety much what it looks like when your CV joint spills its guts. Has that axle ever been serviced?

 

Hi, thanks for the reply. Not sure on the axle, only dif oil has been changed. I'm gonna have a closer look tomorrow as I'm off work and see if I can see a split of anything in that gator. Fingers crossed it needs a new drive shaft and not a reconditioned rear dif.