SureTrack Community Fix: Whining in the Pilot

Usually when you hear a whining noise from the middle of a Honda Pilot it is kids wanting something. SureTrack community member macdonald.motorworks had a 2010 Honda Pilot in the shop that had a whining noise from the middle of the vehicle while driving at certain speeds. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2010 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5L

Title
Whining noise, replaced rear driveshaft assembly.

Complaint
Customer complains of whining noise from middle of vehicle.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Road tested vehicle and at 30-50 kilometers per hour there is a whining noise coming from the middle of the vehicle. Noise increases or decreases with speed and continues regardless of gear, even in neutral. Vehicle has 200,000 km on it. Replaced rear mid-shaft CV bearing. Replaced transfer case fluid, rear differential fluid and transmission fluids. All replaced with OEM fluids. Used mechanics stethoscope on all hubs and they are not noisy at all. No CV joint related problem. Carrier bearing on driveshaft is in good shape, not noisy. Not sure where noise is coming from. No driveability issues. Hoping some Honda pros can shed some light or direction.

Best Answer from Community Member ericsautomotive
Does the noise go away with the driveshaft removed?

Cause
Managed to get this Pilot in for further evaluation. Pulled the driveshaft and the noise disappeared when driving. On further inspection, the carrier bearing was failing.

Correction
Replaced driveshaft assembly, noise is gone.