Another Tranny Noise Post

[kxcntry99]

Hey Everyone,

I have tried searching on this but I have not found another post that matches my problem. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

I just noticed this noise in the past two days. The best way I can describe it is some kind of whirling noise that occurs when I am in any gear under any decent amount of throttle. It does not occur then I have the clutch pressed in or if I am in neutral.

The sound doesn't appear to be coming from the engine and since it is only when I am in gear and on the throttle I assume its coming from the transmission. It should also be noted that I only hear the noise after the car warms up a bit. I.e. the first half of my drive to work I do not hear it. But after a couple of miles it starts. It does not occur when I downshift. Again, I only hear it when I am in gear and give it more than ½ throttle in any gear. I have been pretty light on the throttle ever since I started to hear this but it is definitely still there.

I am not sure when the transmission fluid was last changed or even checked so I am hoping it is as simple as low fluid or something. I really don’t want to go thru a rebuild right now, I have spent so much money on this thing in the past 2 months it makes me sick.

If anyone can help me out I would appreciate it

[JackM]

It sounds to me like it is possibly an intermediate shaft bearing that could be failing. That is a lot more common now that these cars are getting older. I would suggest you stop driving it, because if the bearing lets go completely you can have a completely destroyed and worthless trans. I would take the trans out and tear it down for inspection at least to be sure.

Jack

[kxcntry99]

Thanks for the post Jack, bad news if that is indeed the issue.

The only question I have is if it was an intermediate shaft bearing failing would it only make the noise when the car warms up? Like I said in my original post, for the first 15miles or so it doesn't seem to have any issue. Also if it was a bearing wouldn't I notice some kind of performance issue?

Thanks

[JackM]

No, the intermediate bearing will not lower performance. If it was failing in a way that it would cause friction to slow the car you would have a pretty serious issue.

When cold the oil is thicker and the case preloads are tighter, so that could be the reason why it is quiet at that time.

Jack