Rotational Mystery Noise

[RicMan]

I've looked through other phantom and mystery noise posts but nothing sounds quite the same as what I'm hearing, so here goes my attempt to describe the mystery noise:

It almost sounds like an exhaust leak but more metallic and it only happens when I'm in gear and moving, I'm pretty confident it's under the front half (can hear it much better when passing by a car or wall), it's not really louder on either side so I'm hoping it's not a bearing.

I'm sitting at 263k, timing belt was changed around 200k. Fly wheel shook itself loose around 200k as well but nothing was stripped so it was reinstalled. No significant drivetrain modifications or work over the years other than a couple cv axle replacements.

Any help tracking this thing down or where to even start is much appreciated. I'm hoping it may just be a matter of getting a good lube job.

Heres a link to a video. It's kind of difficult to hear over the exhaust but it is a distinct higher pitch rotational sound. You can hear it best in the first couple seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUkwBbwY6ag

 

[jgue467]

I hear a 'crackle' sound about 3 times at the beginning, is that the sound you're referring to? :cowboy:

 

[RicMan]

I hear a 'crackle' sound about 3 times at the beginning, is that the sound you're referring to? :cowboy:

That's the sound. Crackle is a good way to describe it.

 

[Millerad1651]

Sounds similar to the noise mine made. Got worse and made a "tinny, scraping sound when moving. Ended up being the rear driveshaft. The double cardan joint went bad, right around 226k. Cost $400 to have it rebuilt.

 

[Nate_GB]

Sounds are always a pain to hunt down. Have you done the usual wheel bearing diagnosis routine? Same noise in 2wd and 4 wheel drive? How about 4lo? Remove rear drive shaft and drive in front wheel drive, sound still there? That's where I'd start.