Hello

Looking for some advice on a whining noise (sounds like tyre noise) related to road speed coming from LHS (NS). It's been noticeable for a while, but got much worse after car was left for 2 weeks when I went on holiday. It's a 1996 T5 auto.

Things I've observed:

* noise is NO worse when cornering (turning right)
* audible from 35mph+ pitch of sound is related to road speed
* Centre drive shaft nut is very tight on both wheels
* Drive shaft gators are OK
* No play on wheel when jacked (hands in 6 o'clock position)
* wheel spins freely when jacked, no unusual sounds
* no difference if gearbox is in N
* gearbox fluid is <2yrs old and looks OK
* tyre looks OK
* no clunking noises on full lock
* car feels entirely normal other than noise. (no pulling to one side etc)

Could a drive shaft make this sound, or are we looking at the diff? I'm assuming it's not a wheel bearing as the noise is not worse on cornering.

Any suggestions to isolate cause?

Cheers

Chris