Gael,

I did think about alt & PS bearings and put stethoscope on them one of the times the noise cooperated and allowed me to do some checking. But it was not coming from there. I did not think about the water pump bearing at the time. The noise from there might not be as easy to check - might dissipate through block. May be able to tell something when I have belts off? No sign of leakage.

Was at transmission shop today. They don't think it is the TC or transmission. Only thing we saw, was a loose bolt on the transmission support. While there, only noise I could create was a small chirp as I moved from D --> N . Seems it could be the new mounts squeaking or maybe the engine shocks. Perhaps if the tranny mount is loose, it is allowing more engine movement?

I am at a bit of a loss. There was originally a LOT of noise. I was afraid to drive car. Now, it has almost gone away - but I still hear it when I do a mild acceleration while under way. What I do have, is a vibration through the drivetrain when the engine loads up - For example when accelerating up a rise when the tranny should shift down but has not (this happens on these 3-speeds!)

Thanks for input!

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5