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Trans noise, even when idle?!?

Z

zql8tr

New member
First off, yes, I searched but I'm having different issues.

My trans(?) is making a noticeable whining noise when I turn left. I know it is not the bearings as the noise will happen after it starts even if I'm stopped. It goes with the RPM of the motor too. A mechanic told me it could be some bearings inside the tranny?!?

Is this a possible easy fix, or should I just replace the tranny? I have several wrecking yards around me and those trans are a dime a dozen.
 


Your tranny has no idea if you're turning left.

This is most likely your PS rack or something in the steering system.

You could have bent linkage in your front suspension. If you do, and you turn left, it could be binding and putting extra load on the PS system.

I doubt this is your tranny.
 
I was kinda thinking the same thing. But, why would it make the noise with the motor revs while stopped?
 
check your tranny fluid level, when low it can whine, or a clogged filter can as well.

post up your car make model miles all that good stuff.

when you check the fluid it should be pink to bright red, if its brown or dark looking you need to service the trans. by dropping the tranny pan, changing the filter and topping it off with new fluid.
 
zql8tr said:
I was kinda thinking the same thing. But, why would it make the noise with the motor revs while stopped?
Click to expand...

Your PS pump is driven by the crankshaft (via belt).

If your PS rack valving is messed up and whines when "left" then the whine would change pitch as the PS pump spins faster.
 
scottydoggs said:
check your tranny fluid level, when low it can whine, or a clogged filter can as well.

post up your car make model miles all that good stuff.

when you check the fluid it should be pink to bright red, if its brown or dark looking you need to service the trans. by dropping the tranny pan, changing the filter and topping it off with new fluid.
Click to expand...

Sorry guys, wasn't thinking. It's a '99 GTP with close to 160k.
 


oh and take the belts off and start the car for a minute tops, if the whine is still there its defiantly the trans.
 
if it was your tranny, it would whine all the time, whether you turn left or right. it would get louder with RPM, the whine is usually the oil pump in the tranny going out.

my car whines too, but its my PS pump, gets louder with rpm, but not coming from the tranny, my PS or ALT bracket tensioner.
 
it would matter if you turn i would think.. just like when my flex was messed up.. when i made an right the rpm would drop and the rattle would get loud...// if its coming from driver side area... check fluid and color.. and ask yaself when was the last time i had my trans serviced...
 
What is the fluid supposed to look like? As far as I know, it has not been serviced.

I was hoping it was not the trans as it only really makes the sound when I turn left. But, considering once the noise starts it does not go away and until I shut off the car and changes sound with the RPM's, I figured it was not a wheel bearing. So is the power steering pump/control box easy to change? Is it even something I can service myself?
 


OK, but would this "noise" just start all on it's own? I have not had any service on the vehicle in over a year and have not curbed it or anything. My commute is literally 3.3 miles each way. All surface streets too.
 
the p/s pump will whine when its on its way out, also dry steering will be harder to turn and increase the whine.

dry steering is when you turn the wheels when in park, not moving at all.
 


BillBoost37 said:
Actually ...it can. Our transmissions are notorious for starving for fluid on hard left turns.

OP.. I believe the problem you are having is covered in this link.
Whine noises
Click to expand...

Thank you! That's what my tech said, it was a bearing inside the trans. I'll check it all out this weekend.

Thanks again guys!!!
 
OP said this happens when when he's stopped.

I thought the issue of starvation was due to turn induced horizontal forces pulling ATF away from the pickup and bearings. That should not exist when you're not moving.
 
Yea, if I start the car and do not turn left, there is no noise. But, once I turn left, the noise starts and will get louder on left turns, but will still be there, if only slightly, when I'm going straight. It will do it at idle too after it starts.

I'm thinking it could be a combo of things after what you guys are suggesting. I wish I had access to a lift to try and better pin point where it may be coming from...
 
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