help me pinpoint my axle noise.

89 xj d-35

Starting Around 20mph I have a loud growl comming from my rear axle that gets louder/higher pitched with speed.It goes away completely as soon as you let off the gas and has gotten louder in the last few months.
Correct me if I'm wrong but if it was a outer axle/wheel bearing would'nt it still make the noise when I let off the gas?

So what could it be?carrier bearing?pinion bearing? or gears?:huh:

I do have a drivers side axle seal starting to leak.....but thought if it was an axle bearing that it would growl all the time....
your diagnosis is needed,thanks.

How about rear driveline u-joints did you check those?

they're fresh....

if you have gear oil leaking from the seals its a bearing (my thinking) if no and the u joints are good, gears. Mabye if you have a manual you need some gear oil in the tranny.

not the tranny...I removed the rear shaft and drove it and the noise went away....