Howling - Whining Noise when cold

[Right2Bear]

I have a 2005 CTS with 38,000 miles on it. I've noticed in the last month or so that if my car sits out in the cold (less than 10 degrees or so) for a few hours, I will get a high pitched howling/whining noise at approximately 40mph. The noise seems to be coming from the back half of the car but it is hard to tell. The noise will go away at less than 35 or more than 45mph and will also go away after driving for 10 mins or so.

I don't believe it is the engine. If I'm hearing the noise, shift to neutral and rev the engine, the noise does not increase. It seems to correspond with the rotation of the tires/drive train.

I've had the rear seal recall done. They looked and said they didn't see anything but it wasn't making the noise then. My only option is to leave the car with the dealer overnight and hope it would happen the following morning. I'm concerned because as the weather gets warmer the noise will probably go away until next year and by then I may be out of warranty.

Anyone ever heard of such a thing?

[dwight.j.carter]

I would request that they change out the differential if you are hearing a noise. I thought I read somewhere there is going to be a recall soon on these I may be wrong though.

[Right2Bear]

I have a hunch if I go in and request a new differential because of a noise they don't hear, they'll laugh at me. How reasonable is it to demand a new differential?

What would be the significance of the cold weather? Think this will start happening when its warm too?

[BLACK CTS]

I hear the same howl everytime I am going 45 mph. I talked to a Cadillac tech and he said it's pretty much a charicteristic of the CTS's. The only thing is, there have been a lot of problems with the rearends in these cars. I guess as long as it doesn't get any worse you might be ok.

[Right2Bear]

Does yours only do it when the weather is cold?

The rear end would be under warranty until 100K, right?

Thanks for the replies on this by the way.

[CTSV_510]

Originally Posted by Right2Bear

Does yours only do it when the weather is cold?

The rear end would be under warranty until 100K, right?

Thanks for the replies on this by the way.

Only if your car is certified you get to 100k. If its only under standard factory warranty, then its 4 yr 50k miles. The only part of the factory warranty that goes to 100k (or 6 years) is rust.

[BLACK CTS]

Originally Posted by Right2Bear

Does yours only do it when the weather is cold?

The rear end would be under warranty until 100K, right?

Thanks for the replies on this by the way.

Well I have only had the car since January of this year and it is winter so I guess yes, but I'm almost positive the weather doesn't have anything to do with it. It's a known noise with the CTS... as long as it's not too loud, or doesn't get too loud.

Is your car certified? If not, you should still be in the 4/50,000 warranty.

[Right2Bear]

I don't know if its certified or not. I bought it new as a 'left over', not as a used vehicle. Does that matter?

How do I know if its certified or not?

[CTSV_510]

Originally Posted by Right2Bear

I don't know if its certified or not. I bought it new as a 'left over', not as a used vehicle. Does that matter?

How do I know if its certified or not?

they don't certify new cars. the whole point of certifying cars is to market low mile used cars as "good as new" - they sell better/faster that way.

Become a supporting member: http://www.cadillacforums.com/subscribe.html

and then post your VIN here: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...y-here-46.html

you can ask for warranty and service history for your records and so you know exactly when your 4yr 50k factory bumper to bumper warranty expires.

[ewill3rd]

Some noise is normal, but a seasoned ear can tell when it is too much. Have you ridden it with a good tech or a shop foreman at your local shop?

[patkellytanner]

I have 2005 CTS that when left in the cold make a rear axle whine. Starts about -10 and when travelling about 30 mph - 60 mph for about 10 minutes. I changed the axle oil and everything looked good. Did you ever find the problem?

[Right2Bear]

The dealership changed the axle oil last year. So far this year I haven't heard the problem and it has been cold. Seems like a change of the oil might have done the trick.

[madam4343]

I'm having the same problem with mine and it's cold here alot. The dealership has swaped out my rear diff and a rear wheel bearing. They have finally settled on the hager bearing. So right now I'm waiting for them to bring me in a new driveshaft. Hope this helps

[madam4343]

Got my caddy back and it seems to have fix the problem

[mjs0202]

Originally Posted by Right2Bear

I will get a high pitched howling/whining noise at approximately 40mph. The noise seems to be coming from the back half of the car but it is hard to tell.

I had the same problem......it was the mother-in-law.