Rear Differential Constant Noise

[Rapidtransit]

My car is a 2001 LS V8. I presently have the typical rear end whinning noises. I have replaced the rear hub bearings. This rear end noise is constant and at all speeds. To locate the source, I just jacked the car to get the rear wheels off the ground while the front wheels were chocked. I lowered the car onto jack stands that I positioned underneath the lower suspension arms to bring the driveshafts nearly horizontal to relieve the CV stress. While holding each rear wheel stationary while the other wheel is spinning, you could hear what appears to be a bad carrier or pinion bearing. I've replaced the differential oil to no avail. There was no evidence of metal particles in the oil.

Can both the driveshafts be bad causing this problem, or does this sound like the classic ring and pinion or bearing noise?

 

[Rapidtransit]

ttt

 

[Outkast]

I would assume the ring and pinion before I would think BOTH driveshafts were bad.

 

[02LSE96LSC91SE84TC]

Well there is no u-joint at the rear connection, driveshaft to diff. The pilot bearing in there does little but keeps it centered and shouldn't wear as it spins at the same speed as everything. If the Flex coupler was trashed then I could see that getting trashed but I haven't heard of it yet. It does look like a replaceable part but never tried to remove it.

I'm guessing one of the bearings in the diff.

 

[E30Newbie]

Interesting problem. I have a similiar issue (01 ls v6), but more loud at 10-35 mph and anything else. Less of a whine and more of a low hum that infiltrates the entire cabin. I was sure it was wheels bearings so I replaces both the rears and no change at all.

I can get a diff with equivilant miles (115k) but I hate to keep throwing money at it. Consider me subscribed and GL on finding out what your issue is