Metallic noise from drivetrain

I have a strange loud high pitched metallic noise from the underside of my p38. almost sounds like a brake disc when a pad is worn out. The noise seems to come when under load when accelerating but does pull through it and sounds normal. I have checked all brakes, wheel bearings and levels. I have tried with just rear prop shaft and the other way. Always with that b****y noise. The only thing i could see was the output seal has been leaking and the bearing looks suspect. Is this common? Any advise would be great.

A few months ago I experienced a similar sound and was convinced it was coing from the underside, most likely near the auto bellhousing. The performance was down, the gearbox wasn't shifting properly etc.

Turned out it was my water pump just about to part company. Still can't believe it, the sound was definitely coming from under the car, almost as if I was dragging along a sheet of light metal, and definitelty nowhere near the front of the engine.

Water pump replaced - noises and shifting problems gone. Still can't explain it but thought to mention it just in case yours is the same. I was only losing tiny amounts of coolant beforehand.

Come to think of it mine has actuly been losing a drop of coolant. But surely this noise would be there all the time?. I forgot to mention i also get vibrations in the steering wheel when the noise is there. I just wish i could get to the bottom of it. its getting to the point where i cant drive it!!

The noise from my car was only when pulling off in first, much more noticeable on an upwards incline. Once into second the noise was gone and everything was fine. I was so concerned I even posted the poroblem on here thinking it was a gearbox fault. A few days later - the waterpump blew. As I say, I was convinced the noise was from the gearbox.

As regards the coolant loss, I first noticed a slight increase in running temperature and over a period of a fortnight before the blow I was having to add perhaps 1ltr every four days.

Just have a look around the pump with a torch, have alook around the area for signs of vapour deposits. May be nothing at all to do with it - but there again...

here's the link to my original post -
http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f10/noise-vibration-162906.html

Thanks for that will have a look tonight. Gonna whip the front prop of and replace the output bearing and seal tonight not holding any hope tho! Doesnt seem that sort of noise. Now thinking front diff!