the differential seals often leak on Legends, so look for any signs of leakage or smoking coming from under hood after freeway driving....gear whine can come from low lube causing wear and noise, improper gear contact pattern between pinion and drive gear....these are the most common causes.....

 

When I change the diff oil I didn't notice a burnt smell from the old oil - I removed a qt - so it was full.

The Helms manual talks about gear clearances etc - perhaps that is the issue - just hard to believe at 60K.

Limey

 

Are you hearing the whining any louder when going into curves?

 

No difference when going through curves ?

Limey

 

The differential should outlast the vehicle if its fluid is changed and checked. Are you absolutely sure you removed about a quart of the old fluid? Did you measure it? Are you 100% sure you don't have a seal leak/seep?

What was the condition of the A/T fluid? How much particulate was on the A/T drain bolt?

This may sound foolish, but have you checked the tires for small rocks embedded in the treads? Have you tried to drive a different section of roadway to see if there is a difference?

 

I emptied the old oil into a 1qt container so I am sure the diff had just over a quart.

Tranny fluid was dark red - no burnt smell - drain plug had some goop on it - looked like never seize compound ( metallic sticky).

The transmission shifts fine - just the whine.

One thing I forgot to mention - I changed the rear tranny mount about a month ago - I remember when I put the new one in I reinstalled the aluminum support bracket and I noticed the holes on the bracket are slotted. I noticed the mounting bolts didn't realign to the original position - about 1/4" off ( could see the witness marks) - I assumed that the rear tranny mounts will have some variation and that is why the holes in the bracket are slotted.

BUT - just thinking - is there a chance that the rear of the tranny is angled slightly due to the 1/4" ?? - could this miss align the diff ( gears inside skewed ) ?

Sounds like a bit of a stretch .

Thanks for the help.

Limey.

 

I doubt you have a failing differential given the amt and condition of fluid. Next item to check would be a broken belt in one or more tires. Are you sure the noise is from the front and not the back?

 

Yes I am pretty sure its from the front.

I will do some more recon tonight - I'll get back to you tomorrow.

Thanks for the help.

Limey.

 

Limey:

I've got a whining noise also but mine was diagnosed as front wheel bearings. That's why I asked about the curves. (I'm told) that you'll know your bearings are going bad if you hear a whining or growling going into a curve under load conditions.

Sully

 

i get the same noise when i go from 50-55mph. i don't really notice it on turns because i don't usually go 50-55 on turns, but just driving straight will cause this little noise from the front of my car. i dunno what it is.