[200q20v] Trans OR c. bearing noise ?

[Jeff.Bernstein at pneumaticscale.com]

Max,

You are correct that it is extremely hard to diagnose a noise over the web.
I would however try to pull the drive shaft off at both the transmission and
the rear differential and pack with fresh bearing grease.  I don't remember
which end was worse.  I believe the exhaust runs close to one of them.  This
procedure is fairly easy to do and costs almost nothing.  Certainly worth
doing the easy and cheap things before anything else.  Good preventive
maintenance at least.

Jeff