Hey everyone,

I have been trying to diagnose this loud humming noise coming from the rear of my car for the past few days.

At first I thought it was the wheel bearings but they were changed approx 20 000 km ago so I don't think that is the problem. Also when I corner to either side there is no apparent change in noise. The noise appears to be coming from the differential.

I decided to change my rear diff oil because to my knowledge it has never been changed.

When I got under the car I noticed there is oil coming from where the axles/inner cvs go into the rear diff, see below:

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It appears to be happening on both sides.

Is it possible that enough of the oil leaked out and the diff is running low on oil causing the noise?

What would cause this leak?

I am fighting with the fill plug right now but hopefully changing the oil will fix the problem temporarily...

 

After some searching it would seem that it may be the rear diff seals. Seems like a relatively easy fix.

I am afraid to drive the car now thinking that this noise is actually because the diff is low on oil...