Hi need some help from the rx8 family. I have a noise coming from what sounds like the gearbox but mechanic can't diagnose as the gearbox and diff are fresh oiled and quiet. It wines like crazy from 3rd gear. He has said the diff has a rubber like on a exhaust and some rip ties holding it which sounds totally off to me. Amy ideas or any pictures or diagrams of what a diff should be held on with so I can compare tomorrow? Thanks

 

The diff is supposed to be fully closed, no lines in or out. Perhaps someone installed a diff cooler? I can't imagine what else it could be from the description. Or, someone installed a completely alien diff and instead of mounting it properly helds it in with.. zip ties. Do not drive like this. Pictures or shop manual digrams are best found at foxed.ca or google image search.

Does it shift OK? Whine in a specific gear only is a pretty good indicator that the problem is that gear in the box. Does the noise change with rpm OR with car speed?

 

I think all he is saying is that there is a piece of rubber that is zip(rip) tied to the diff, not sure of the reason for that, maybe to stop something rubbing (aftermarket exhaust) or to provide a jack point without marring up the diff. I don't think the diff itself is being held in place with zip ties.