thanks for the replys lads. i am in 2 minds now its sound the same as spud has said u cant seem to hear it outside the car and the steering is feeling a bit different. but then bogmonster i think u ar right cos i hav already drain the diff to check it wasnt dry and if i remeber it did look grey wen it come out. i hav been spking to a friend who is a mechanic and he is saying to take it out if i want bring it to him and he will check the bearing and renew them if thats wot it is but how big a job am i lookin at or were could i get a recondtioned one if anyone does them thanks