I did some questioning with my LR gurus. Because of the many systems on the vehicle that could generate the noise, he said they use chassis ears, which is a system of chassis mount listening devices. This is used while you operate the vehicle down the road, and you can pinpoint the spot / issue.

 

The whine does seem to get lower whe I reach about 80 MPH.... It becomes the most audible at about between 70 to 75 MPH.... What I find a little strange is that I had the Rack changed at a local shop the week before the whine started..... The steering feels fine, and it looks like a neat job was done..... My major concern is this will cause a hard failure on road.... Is this possible? Could it be dangerous? Where can I get the chassis ears from? Thanks

 

Here is the place... I'm still at a loss of what you are saying the rack is.. Steering rack, entire front end, etc.. is something out of alignment, etc. What have you done to diagnose it.

Chassis Ears - Steelman STE6600

 

Hi unseenone, I had the steering rack changed because it was leaking. Since the steering rack was changed, I noticed the whine noise starting at 65 MPH and leveling out at about 75 MPH. So far, I had the wheels balanced, and I changed the front and rear differential fluid. The front diff. had 100,000 miles on the fluid and the magnetic drain plug had about 1/2 high of metal shavings on it. The open rear differential (4.0 V6) was changed by the dealer under warranty, and the fluid had about 20,000 miles on it. the magnetic drain plug had about 1/4 high of metal shavings on it. The transfer case fluid was changed by the dealer at 78,000 miles. Also, the dealer replaced the valve body of the tranny at 78,000 miles and replaced 8 qts of fluid. That is what has been done so far... Thanks for the chassis ears info...

 

Great info, thanks... Interesting valve body of the transmission, what was wrong with it at that point?

Keep us posted on the ears, or progress..

 

I thought I felt a delay shifting in the cold weather. The dealer changed the valve body to get rod of the issue..... I still feel it once and a while, but at 100,000 miles, I think its just the way that tranny works....... My plan is to change the transfer case fluid next. I have an oil change coming up soon. I will let the shop change the trans case fluid when they do the oil.... I figure I will do the cheap fixes first.

 

I have exact issue with my 06 LR3 and I'm trying to figure out what it is...I realize this is dated, but did you track it down?