98.5 Audi A4 2.8 quattro

Trying to diagnose a problem. I have a loud noise (similar to a bad wheel bearing) and lots of vibrating in the rear of my car. Wheel bearings are fine so are axles/cv joints. I noticed that the part where the axles bolt to the rear dif has some play on both sides. Is this normal or could this be where my noise is coming from?

Any other suggestions? Also I called a local junkyard for a rear dif. They said there are 2 different ones for my year audi. Im assuming it changed from pre98 to 98.5 or are there really 2 different ones for the 98.5 audis?

For extra info I got into an accident a few months back smashing my right rear tire into a curb. Hit so bad I tweaked the subframe and that suspension never sat right. I replaced the subframe and new wheel bearings and axle so I know for a fact they are fine. I have a feeling I may have messed up a bearing or something in the rear dif and it has finally caught up to me.

 

anyone have any suggestions?

 

one for auto and one for manual? Not sure about the play issue though.

 

Thanks for the response dragon. Can any one with a b5 a4 grab the inner end of the axle where it bolts to the rear dif and see if it has any play? The passenger side is easier to get to don't even have to jack up the car.

 

i have the same problem. I got both my rear wheel bearings replaced 3-4 months ago and the sound kinda went away. Now the sound is back and the hum is getting unbearable on the highway. Getting it checked by my mechanic soon and i'll let you know.