Avensis Noise

[chaos111]

I have a 2001 1.8 vvti avensis,manual,and wondered if anyone else has had this problem.I started to hear a rumbling noise,which,i thought was a wheel bearing or misshaped tyre,so i changed tyres still the same.Had car to garage to check for bearing play,no play they are fine i was told.The noise started to get worse but only after cars been driven for about 20 miles or so.Now when i turn a left hand corner,in 1st or second i have diffculty in getting it into gear,and the noise is getting worse,and when driving in a straight line if i turn wheel slightly,to the left,you can feel this rumbling,but not through steering wheel.Can anyone throw any light on this for me cos now im thinking mabye ive got the dreaded gearbox problem or steering rack lurgy.The car has done 70000 miles.