[sebsoja]

This is probably a better place to post this…

Hey guys, just got back from a road trip from LA to BC, Canada... and the E91 did great! Over 3,500 hundred miles with all the added meandering and I have a few questions and think you guys may have some answers.

Is this level of creaking normal for the radio/console? The first attached video shows the creaking, seems excessive.

Secondly, there is a whirring noise that starts at around 30mph and gets a little higher pitched and louder as speed increases. Are we thinking wheel bearings or tire noise? I looked up some diagnosis tips and I don't think the noise gets louder and quieter as I turn side to side so maybe it's tire noise? I also have a code to replace transfer case fluid, could this be the cause? (I have the fluid ready to go and replace once I get home). I did install new wheels and tires somewhat recently but I am dumb and cant remember whether the noise began then... I also don't have a jack at the moment as I am away from home for school.

Lastly, has anyone had success doing the spray paint method to restoring this piece of trip around the cupholders? Any other recommendations for removing/repairing the soft touch trim? Thanks guys, you're always helpful.

Plus a glamour shot at the end

View post on imgur.com

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View post on imgur.com

[EwenMac]

Hi , I saw a cover for the strip between the cup holders on eBay, Chinese of course.

Google it I’m sure it I’ll pop up, other than that I can’t help, sorry

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/15625779...77ZNNYJEV7NDH1

[sebsoja]

Originally Posted by EwenMac

Hi , I saw a cover for the strip between the cup holders on eBay, Chinese of course.

Google it I’m sure it I’ll pop up, other than that I can’t help, sorry

Interesting, I’ll look into it. Thanks

[dav9515]

that sound would definitely be annoying, but cool trip!

[sebsoja]

Originally Posted by dav9515

that sound would definitely be annoying, but cool trip!

Thanks! Great trip with a great car.

[jsunma]

Nice trip!

As to your noise around the console, all I can say is that mine doesn't do that...but then I don't really spend any time pressing on it. If it's not creaking away while driving, I'd just leave it alone. 50/50 if you just start taking things off to chase the creaking you may make it worse.

As to the whirring noise, that's a tough one. You don't say if you can isolate it to the front or rear. In my RWD, I have a similar noise and it's from the rear. I too don't think it's wheel bearings as I've changed those. I've changed the CV joints. I've replaced the original drive shaft (and center bearing and guibo) with a rebuilt shaft. The noise changes slightly when I have different wheels/tire mounted (I change to snows in the winter...something I guess you don't do in LA) but it's still there. In my case, I have just about concluded - after having this problem for over a year - that it's the differential. Eventually, I'll just change that (250K miles now). Have you changed your diff oil? It's an easy job (once you have a jack).

[sebsoja]

Originally Posted by jsunma

Nice trip!

As to your noise around the console, all I can say is that mine doesn't do that...but then I don't really spend any time pressing on it. If it's not creaking away while driving, I'd just leave it alone. 50/50 if you just start taking things off to chase the creaking you may make it worse.

As to the whirring noise, that's a tough one. You don't say if you can isolate it to the front or rear. In my RWD, I have a similar noise and it's from the rear. I too don't think it's wheel bearings as I've changed those. I've changed the CV joints. I've replaced the original drive shaft (and center bearing and guibo) with a rebuilt shaft. The noise changes slightly when I have different wheels/tire mounted (I change to snows in the winter...something I guess you don't do in LA) but it's still there. In my case, I have just about concluded - after having this problem for over a year - that it's the differential. Eventually, I'll just change that (250K miles now). Have you changed your diff oil? It's an easy job (once you have a jack).

The differential route is interesting - I'll definitely change the oil when I get back home as well. Would hate to need to replace the diff.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by sebsoja

This is probably a better place to post this…

Hey guys, just got back from a road trip from LA to BC, Canada... and the E91 did great! Over 3,500 hundred miles with all the added meandering and I have a few questions and think you guys may have some answers.

Is this level of creaking normal for the radio/console? The first attached video shows the creaking, seems excessive.

Secondly, there is a whirring noise that starts at around 30mph and gets a little higher pitched and louder as speed increases. Are we thinking wheel bearings or tire noise? I looked up some diagnosis tips and I don't think the noise gets louder and quieter as I turn side to side so maybe it's tire noise? I also have a code to replace transfer case fluid, could this be the cause? (I have the fluid ready to go and replace once I get home). I did install new wheels and tires somewhat recently but I am dumb and cant remember whether the noise began then... I also don't have a jack at the moment as I am away from home for school.

Lastly, has anyone had success doing the spray paint method to restoring this piece of trip around the cupholders? Any other recommendations for removing/repairing the soft touch trim? Thanks guys, you're always helpful.

Plus a glamour shot at the end

LA to BC was my honeymoon trip in a Westy... good times!

Somewhere in NorCal:




As for the squeak... I'm sure 3PedalJake can provide some advice for tracking it down!!!!

[AoS810]

Curious what you find out about the whirring noise, I've got an E91 RWD that makes a similar sound around 60mph+, the noise doesn't seem as obvious at lower speeds.