I need assistance in pinpointing a whine / humm from my 2005 Durango AWD. As I‘m driving, it makes a whining noise like off road tires. It only does it while in motion and gets louder the faster I go. It does it in AWD and 4WD mode. I suspect it’s the transfer case or wheel bearing, not for sure. Everything feels fine and operates like it should. The only recent service was the transfer case fluid change I did a few weeks ago, using factory fluid. I double checked the level today and it is full. I changed the t-case fluid to be safe and it still does it. It’s really hard to tell where it is coming from from inside the vehicle. Any suggestions?

 

BW:

Wheel bearings usually grind or moan as opposed to whining. Does the noise get worse or better based upon turning right or left?

From your description, I am thinking more like an axle bearing or possibly pinion or carrier bearing.

Don't forget U joints can make these noises also. You should be able to check them by getting the D up off the ground, and putting the trans in neutral. Rotate the drive shafts by hand and see if there is any up/down or side to side movement at the joints.

If you see much movement at all, then suspect that joint. The joint at the front of the T case is a different animal, and known for problems in the 80-120k miles range.

If you have not done it recently, this would be a good time to drain and refill both front and rear axles.

Don