Growl/roar under light throttle?

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BikePilot

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Hi all, my 2011 US spec LR4 with 105k miles on it just started making a growling noise under light throttle. It sounds a lot like a bad wheel bearing, except it doesn't noticeably change pitch all that much with vehicle speed and changes not at all when turning. It's most noticeable between 30 and 40mph, but is there for sure from around 20-75mph (didn't test faster than that--it's snowing + traffic). It's loudest with very light throttle and goes away under even a modest load.

The sound is the same regardless of gear and does not change with RPM. It also didn't change after the vehicle warmed up.

This also came on suddenly. The landy was as quiet as can be when I drove it two days ago, then made the noise on the way to work today. I live in the foothills above Denver so it's cold and snowy and has been for a good while now. I drive up to ski in the Landy most every weekend so while it doesn't work hard (not towing or off roading) it does see hills, snow and plenty of cold weather.

Anyone experience this before or have any ideas? I'm guessing it could be front diff, transfer case, wheel bearings, or maybe even driveshaft(s)/transmission output shaft bearing.

Thanks!

PS, I tried to record the noise with my phone but it didn't really pick it up. It's not very loud, but a distinct change from how it's sounded previously.
 
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ryanjl

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Anyone experience this before or have any ideas? I'm guessing it could be front diff, transfer case, wheel bearings, or maybe even driveshaft(s)/transmission output shaft bearing.

I'm thinking it would have to be one of these.

Maybe start with the wheel bearing, jacking up the front and seeing if there is any play in either of the front wheels?

I'm not really sure how to check the driveshaft on an LR4. Or the diff, for that matter.
 

BikePilot

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Thanks! I'm going to try to get it into a shop this afternoon. It's just too cold and snowy for me to mess with it right now (plus I wanna ski all weekend!).
 

BikePilot

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It's the front diff. The shop is working on options for replacement. Really impressed with the speed and approach by Roadside Were here in Denver.
 

cperez

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It's the front diff. The shop is working on options for replacement. Really impressed with the speed and approach by Roadside Were here in Denver.

Even for the spendy repairs, it's always nice to get a clear and accurate diagnosis right away. Helps avoid a lot of wondering/worry and needless expense of tracking down gremlins.
 

djkaosone

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Yeah, it's the front diffs. I had that happen to me a while ago and luckily mine was under warranty and they replaced mine at the time. Maybe it's time to get an ARB front locker and just reuse the housing. Just a thought.
 

Elley

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I had a right rear wheel bearing seize up on my 2011 LR4 pretty scary at hi/way speed the other 3 wheels speed sensors try to compensate gets a little slippery. It my be the front diff like others have said but Just saying
 

Elley

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Loved my LR4 there is no other car like it. Even though I dyi'd water pump, hood latch switch, lower control arms, mass air flow sensor, suspension compressor,cleaned throttle body twice if they made a new one today with a TD6 or 8 I would get. But got a 2017 Disco td6 love it too
 

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