Hi,

A whirring, wind-like noise (not a great description but the closest I can come up with) has started coming from the rear of the car over the last few days. I had something similar a year ago and the rear diff was replaced (or fixed, I don't recall). Trawling through the 'noise' posts on here it seems likely it's again rear diff related or the haldex.

I had the wheels balanced yesterday to rule that out and the noise is still there. I've got winter tyres on and the tread is good, and wear is pretty even so I'm thinking it's probably not a tyre noise.

Thing is I'm heading to Cornwall on boxing day (I live in Surrey so approx. 600 mile round trip) and with Xmas it doesn't look like I'm going to get anyone to look at it before I go.

Assuming it is a rear diff/haldex issue can anyone shed any light on the risk I might be taking?

I haven't found any posts on here reporting these types of noises directly linking to a breakdown or other issue.And last year I remember the engineer assuring me it was safe to drive with that issue.

Any advice much appreciated...and merry xmas everyone! FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

If you've fitted winter tyres, do not rule out that's were the noise is coming from, I had the same noise until the tyres wore down a bit.
Regards.
Gordon.

I, too, wouldn't rule out the tyres - my ATs give a slight drone which sounds a bit like a bearing on the way out, but is gone now the winters are on.

But if it is the diff or Haldex it's very difficult to comment without knowing more. You'll probably be fine, but you might, for example, cause additional damage to the faulty component, or even other non-faulty components. Even a breakdown is possible, albeit unlikely. Would I risk a 600 mile round trip? Probably, yes, but without hearing it I can't even say that for sure.

Make sure you have some form of warranty/recovery in place, I am guessing your factory warranty is out.
I had the diff bearing and a wheel bearing go, I did '000's on mine before it went into the workshop, diff was a gentle whine, the wheel bearing got worse very quickly into a loud whine. The workshop assured me on both occasions it was fine to use.

Enjoy Cornwall and have a great holiday

I would do the drive so long as I had breakdown cover just in case. Did you notice it when you put the winter tyres on? * GONE. GS TD4 Manual MY2013. Orkney Grey with privacy, cold and clearview packs, armrests (a must!) and a spoiler.
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Thanks for the responses!

I've been on my winter tyres all year (never got around to changing them) so that's been stable for about a year. Although, saying that, I filled them with air last week and the back two were both 2 PSI lower than the front two. I filled them all to the same level so that was a change that maybe had an impact?

I have AA roadside recovery membership so I'm covered in the break down scenario. Although with a car full of family, loads of xmas stuff and a dog AA will only be of so much help!

Slightly ironically, I fitted roof bars and roof box for the first time this morning for my trip (just some basic Thule bars/shoes and a kamei box). Took it out for a spin and of course now I have more air noise and an occasional whistle which makes hearing the other noise almost impossible...strangely comforting...might help me not spend the whole journey listening for errant noises  FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

Presumably errant noises from the car and not the family or dog! I find that the stereo is a great tool for curing all manner of squeaks and whines from both! Have a good journey

I have had General Grabber AT's fitted to my car for several years and the car developed a severe noise so fitted new tyres (needed anyway) but noise persisted so read my post (Post No.11) on this topic and you will see all is well.

http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic21107.html

Bill

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Car made the journey there and back without a hiccup. In fact, reminded me just as pleasurable the FL2 is on a long drive

Now I've taken the roof stuff off and listening hard again for odd noises, think it sounds more like tyre noise... Guess I'll just keep me ears open and see if it gets worse.

Thanks for all the advice - undoubtedly helped my peace of mind! FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green