2006 Xterra Rear Wheel Bearing Problems???

[fourpulp1]

I wanted to you get someone's opinions on this problem I am having. I am getting a humming noise in the xterra when I hit speeds around 55-65, once you go over 65 the noise disappears. Also when you let off of the gas the noise disappears. The noise doesn't seem to be getting worse but I think it needs to addressed.

At first I didn't think much about it since a lot of the driving I do is not on the highway and you really do not notice until you are on the highway. The more I have been thinking about this I thought this could be a bad wheel bearing...I had a similar thing happen in my Ford Focus but luckily was covered in a recall. The truck only has 62,000 but who knows anymore with the way cars are these days.

What do you guys think? Anyone experience this?

How difficult is this to do yourself or what do you think this type of service would cost at the dealership? Your input is greatly appreciated!

[mpe235]

It could possibly be the rear differential. Remove the fill plug(be carefull, if the vent is plugged the fill plug will pop out at you when you loosen it) and smell the fluid. You will know as soon as you get the plug out if there is an issue. If the fluid is burnt it will smell very bad.
Rear diffential problems have been common on these.

[fourpulp1]

Originally Posted by mpe235

It could possibly be the rear differential. Remove the fill plug(be carefull, if the vent is plugged the fill plug will pop out at you when you loosen it) and smell the fluid. You will know as soon as you get the plug out if there is an issue. If the fluid is burnt it will smell very bad.
Rear diffential problems have been common on these.

I will try this MPE, I have another questions. Let's say that the fluid smells burnt...what are my options? My understanding is that dealerships do not typically rebuild the rear ends, they would just want to replace it. I assume a rebuild would be much more cost effective. Any ideas on a ballpark for a rebuild vs. a replacement? Also how much time would I have before I have a major problem in the rear end if in fact the fluid is burnt? I'm not trying to ignore it but I suspect this is going to be a expensive fix. Thanks for the reply!