Drive train subtle whine / whirly noise?

[GoLeafs]

Hello all;

I just took my 2003 Xterra, SE auto 11000 KMs, on a road trip from Montreal to Toronto and back (Sorry no off-road on this trip ) and I noticed a whirling sort of whine from the drive train, which seem to emanate from the rear? It only occurs at certain speeds, like about 90Km and 120 KM ranges. Plus it would seem to be activated by applying the throttle, and inversely releasing the gas. I thought it may just be the tires or something, making some noise, but with the throttle activity, it seemed to me that it may be something else. It quite possibly could be a normal condition, I never really noticed it before, and it doesn't seem to be a destructive sound. Just a curious subtle sound.

Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks a lot.

[OffroadX]

There were more than a few reports of older Xterras with rear differentials that had a "whine" around 50 MPH that varied with throttle application. This was attributed to lapping compound that was not fully cleaned out during manufacture and it caused the gears to mesh poorly resulting in the noise, but has never actually caused a problem otherwise that I am aware of. Several had the rear differential or entire axle replaced under warranty, a handful more than once.

Brent

[GoLeafs]

I'm taking it to the dealership next Wednesday, so hopefully it's just a lost balance or tire problem. I'll let ya'll know.

[GoLeafs]

Sorry about taking so long to finally report back. The problem was solved by a rear diff replacement, under warranty, no charge. The mechanic who did the work said that diff's can cause audible noise occasionally, regardless of use, could happen at 50K or after 5K.

Regardless the problem is now solved.