'02 Malibu 4T40E Trans Noise

[jjamuse]

Hey all,

I've got a 4T40E trans w/150,000 mi. It started a whining noise about a month ago. Starts around 15 mph, and tends to increase in pitch/volume as the mph climb. Usually don't notice it until I hit 2nd gear. At first, I thought it was a wheel bearing. Blocked her up and checked for play...none. Started and ran through the gears with one side blocked and then the other, no bearing noise. Got under, and located whining noise in the trans where the primary cv shaft enters the trans from the passenger side. Is due for a fluid change, but fluid level is good, and although somewhat dirty, doesn't seem scorched. Have little experience with trannys, less $, and few resources. Any thoughts would be appreciated. By the way, the trans shifts fine, no hesitation or slipping, hits all the gears, and is smooth. Just that irritating noise. Sounds like a 4X4 on pavement, or an airplane taking off. It may be getting louder as time passes as well.

thanks!

P.S. You guys do us wannabe mechs a great service. TY!

[jyount]

In that area you said its from, the bearing on the differential carrier on that side is noisy for some reason. Unless the inner cv itself is noisy, but the innner ones don't usually make much noise, and the outers click, not the noise your desibcribing

[jjamuse]

Thanks for the response jyount. Is it much of a job to repair, or is it better left to the pros? Any idea on the $$ of such a repair?

[jyount]

Yes, to repair the diff bearings the trans has to come out and the cases split. Let someone hear it though, its just in that area, don't jump to conclusions until someone has it in front of them...

[jjamuse]

Originally Posted by jyount

Yes, to repair the diff bearings the trans has to come out and the cases split. Let someone hear it though, its just in that area, don't jump to conclusions until someone has it in front of them...

Thanks again jyount. I agree, no sense in jumping to conclusions when it may not be as bad as it sounds. Will get it to the shop as soon as I can. Will update when I find out for sure.

[jyount]

Keep us posted

[rfile]

Did you find out what this was? It is similar to what is happening with my 98 malibu.
Thanks! --Rick

Originally Posted by jjamuse

Hey all,

I've got a 4T40E trans w/150,000 mi. It started a whining noise about a month ago. Starts around 15 mph, and tends to increase in pitch/volume as the mph climb. Usually don't notice it until I hit 2nd gear. At first, I thought it was a wheel bearing. Blocked her up and checked for play...none. Started and ran through the gears with one side blocked and then the other, no bearing noise. Got under, and located whining noise in the trans where the primary cv shaft enters the trans from the passenger side. Is due for a fluid change, but fluid level is good, and although somewhat dirty, doesn't seem scorched. Have little experience with trannys, less $, and few resources. Any thoughts would be appreciated. By the way, the trans shifts fine, no hesitation or slipping, hits all the gears, and is smooth. Just that irritating noise. Sounds like a 4X4 on pavement, or an airplane taking off. It may be getting louder as time passes as well.

thanks!

P.S. You guys do us wannabe mechs a great service. TY!

[jjamuse]

Originally Posted by rfile

Did you find out what this was? It is similar to what is happening with my 98 malibu.
Thanks! --Rick

Rick,
Took it to the shop, they said same as jyount. Differential carrier. Quoted a price of $1200.00. Couldn't afford the repair...only paid $2600.00 for the car. Drove it for 6 more months, until it it started slipping bad. Sold it.
Sorry jjamuse