Jaguar X-Type drivetrain noise

Interesting drivetrain noise in a 2005 Jaguar X-Type AWD. This car now has over 90k miles and it has been the same since we bought it used with 58k miles. The issue only happens in cold ambient temperatures (less than about freezing), cold car. The colder it gets, the louder it gets to some degree, although -10F is only a bit louder than 32F. I made a similar recording of this same car several years ago using just a smartphone. Several people responded to that video saying they thought it was a bearing. Since it has gone another 30k miles and is no different, I believe it is a resonance in the driveline to the rear axle, likely in the transfer case where there is a 90 degree gear set. I suspect the gear lash is off so when the gears are cold they have an even bigger lash generating the noise. It is very specific to 20MPH. It quickly goes away at any other speed. Also a failing bearing would not go quiet when warm and it would not go 30k miles and be no different. I later found out that this transfer case has a unique fill procedure where you have to raise the left side up rather high (so car is at a steep angle) then fill to the sight plug. I found it 450ml low on fluid when I did this (it takes a total of 600ml) so it was very low. VIRB 0253

[@michaelsantori6513]

Propshaft bearing. They typically only make noise between 25-35mph. If it was the transfer case it would do it even at lower speeds and the noise usually gets a bit louder as speed increases.

[@PastorAdelinodesousa]

I have a 2003 X-Type and had some noises as well. Mine was the front wheel bearings. First the front right then later the front left. I have done other maintenance as well and not taken it to the dealer. Saved allot of money doing it myself.

[@gerlandkent6377]

Thank, you for you're video. / I, just got a 2004, X type 3.0 jaguar it's, in great condition its British Racing green with the tan leather interior nice car. / I, traded my 85, Dodge ram D350 ton trk for it. My, friend wanted my Dodge trk because he's a Mopar fan and I've always wanted a jaguar. The only thing that I had to do to the jaguar was install a new replacement fuel pump and the only thing my friend had to fix on the Dodge trk was to install a new replacement alt. So, we both are happy, happy, 😊

[@iannetta11]

Thanks for the update Jim! I have the same car, same sound, and the same miles on my car. Ever do anything with the suspension? My ride is a little harsh sometimes. Feeling all the bumps. Btw, I had to have both my front wheel bearings replaced around 2016.

[@nielsnuchelmans1410]

Hi Jim. Ever tried to change the oil from the transfer box? It was made maintenance free but still as oil gets old also the viscosity of the oil changes. And as it is cold the oil is thicker.

[@JimRoal]

I will try that. Thanks.

[@JimRoal]

It turns out it was very low on fluid. I had to add 450ml to top it up.

[@victorhernandez7081]

@@JimRoal I kno I'm late jus bought this car with same issue..which fluid are u talking about?i may need to top it off as well

[@Wayne-fe1ed]

central bearing on the drivetrain

[@JeffreyBNL]

Did some research and mine has the exact same solutions to the sound

[@dawid8844]

It's a bit harder as an automatic but maybe you could either try coasting on a downhill or popping it into neutral while is crosses the 20mph. You may also want to try tapping the brakes when accelerating and see if it stops. I've also been changing the transfer box oil every 40k, it comes out smelling of burning and the car is very quiet when it's changed.

[@griffingoodman1055]

Hey. Ssmw with mine happens at 40kph, 70kph and on and off at 90kph. Sometimes a buzzing or vibrating with it. Still there in neutral sometimes and even in neutral with the car off... No clue what it is but it doesnt bother me just hoping its not bad

[@olxrvn]

Interesting, mine x-type got high mileage, doesn’t have much problems

[@alaintor31]

Bonjour, j'ai le même bruit,pourrai je avoir un conseil en français ? Merci beaucoup

[@g.malcolmdial1327]

Hey I'm so glad that I'm not crazy 😂. I've made several videos on the jaguar x type repair and every time I try to let my wife hear this noise it will not do it...my question is did you figure out a fix. Please check out some of my videos like please subscribe...thanks

[@moscowneversleepdoyouknow2749]

and?