Finally got the Benz in the shop and jacked up. I blocked up the rear wheels and did a driveline inspection that revealed no problems but I did find the left rear wheel had <1/8" play when grabbed at 12 and 6 oclock and < 1/16" at 9 and 3.
A wheel bearing seems a likely suspect.
Since this is only at the "whine" stage, do I have a bit of time before it reaches the "howl" stage and more imminent destruction or does it need to be addrssed sooner than later.
I know rear wheel bearings are an involved job so if it can be postponed till spring that would be a plus.
This car is my winter DD is mostly local travel with minimal highway runs.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily