Whurring sound, more in curves
 

2009 RX8 Sport. I'm trying to diagnose an ongoing strange whur whur sound, that is most prominent when you go into a fairly swift but tight sweeping curve where the road camber is probably angling the vehicle a fraction, otherwise virtually absent during straight stretches. Its not engine related, which is buzzing happily away, the pitch rising and falling with the revs. Its a fast sort of rotational (spinning) sound. Could a dodgy wheel bearing make this noise and be more apparent in bends or is the drive shift known to be audible on these cars? Any ideas would be much appreciated.

How fast would you say you are going when you hear this? I had an issue with my '10 Sport where if i took slow, tight turns i would hear a "rubbing" type "WURRRRRRR" noise coming from the mid to rear of the car. Sounded as if my tires were rubbing all up inside the wheel well. After diagnosing with mazda, turned out to be my differential. They replaced the fluid and added a friction modifier and it hasn't come back since.

There's a particular bend not far from my home that stands out as THE noise demonstrator and you take it at 55-60 mph normally. Have heard the whurr in slower corners but swift tight ones are when it is at its most distinct. Thanks for the input though and I'll mention this to the Dealer when it is due for the next Service. By chance, do you recall the approx charge for this fluid change out?

Well my noise happened a few months after I purchased the vehicle, so I was still under warranty and didn't pay a dime. But this is something you can easily do yourself if you dont want to wait for the dealer. Just grab some redline gear oil and a hand pump and you should have no issues. I am not sure exactly how much the "friction modifier" did though. All the notes I have read in regards to the Torsen style diff that we have mentions that friction modifiers have no affect. My issue could have been that it was just a new diff that needed to be drained.

I have this sound too, I just thought it was my wheel rubbing (my car is dropped).

Mine is 2010 R3. Maybe I should have the dealer check it out then...

^^ I thought the same thing, sounds exactly like thats happening too. Btw, make SURE you demonstrate the noise to them, else they may just throw it on the lift and dick around with the rear and conclude that the diff looks fine .... it took me literally telling them to lower my car down from the lift, and drive around the parking lot with the manager to show him the noise.

and fyi, if they give you nonsense about any suspension mods, tell them to contact Mazda NA for approval. The dealership gave me crap because I had my coilovers, sways, endlinks, etc and they refused to cover anything under warranty. I had them talk to the regional mazda rep, and they set them straight.

Where are in NC? Im in the RTP area. Make sure is not the inner fender lining. It can rub with the tires.