big noise from back end

[tangalooma flyer]

Can anyone help, My van has developed a graunchy come grindy noise and its getting louder from the rear [no not my a***!] I thought of wheel bearings but something tells me it might be more severe. My vans a 1.9 DG Auto so I thought it might be something to do with that or final drive?
anyone help?

[HarryMann]

Not wheel bearings, they hum, drum or drone and not too loudly to start with

Your description needs refining quite some...

WHEN does it occur?
WHAT road speeds?
Is it rpm or road-speed dependent?
Under braking?
In neitral when coasting?

O-wise we're PITW a bit (guessing, wasting time, etc,)

Have you been underneath to check the obvious... driveshaft flange bolts is No. 1
Then CVJs (waggle the driveshafts for play, are the boots torn, greasy)
Then pop the drums off to see if the rear brakes look OK
Does it change gear and select OK; is it a gearbox noise or external noise..

etc. etc.

Have you had someone stand near the van as you move it fowd and back to see if they can pinpioint it closer, rear up on jacks... and let clucth ou gently when in gear (not a Syncro of course)

[tangalooma flyer]

I get your point I'll do a more indepth check this morning, thanks

[camper]

I have a final drive diff unit from a automatic 2ltr cu aircool.It requires a sump gasket and flange seals.I will chuck it if you want it you can have it.

[tangalooma flyer]

Ok dont chuck it yet, I've been out all day haven't had chance to look at van. where abouts is bookham?

[camper]

Bookham is aprox 3 miles from J 9 M25.The Diff unit was separated from the auto box as it was okay.Apart from the sump gasket which was removed for inspection and one drive shaft flang seal. I wont chuck .

[HarryMann]

If its more like a dry grinding sound, have you checked the oil level in your transaxle?