Rear End Humming Noise

[doc100]

I have a humming noise coming from the rear end of my 03 XLS... it remminds me more of tire noise that would come from running an off road tire. I know there has already been many posts about the rear differentials, without having to take the truck back to the dealer is there a way to distinguish between possible tire replacement and differential/axle replacement? The tires have some good tread left (Dunlop Radial Rover AT), I purchased the vehicle recently and would like to solve this while still under a warranty. I just do not want the dealer to tell me to replace the tires that still may be good and be left with a defective rear end...any help would be much appreciated.

 

[doc100]

If I let off the gas the sound becomes more quiet but does not go away completely..I tired to rotate the tires and nothing so I am guessing it is not the tires which may confirm my worst thoughts.

 

[just2L]

I was having the same noise on my 02 XLT and was fearing the rear end. It however turned out to be the right rear wheel bearing. I was never so happy to spend $300 on a repair bill.

Take it to a couple of different repair shops before just turning it over to the dealership.

 

[jimEMT]

I also had a rear end humming noise...it was noticeable only between 55-60mph while my foot was on the gas pedal. Ended up they had to drop the rear diff and replace the bearings. Glad I had the ESP!! Saved me $1200, from what they told me. No noises after the repair.