90 Grand AM Transmission Noise

[jsbaker]

I was recently given a 90 model Grand Am LE with the auto transmission. There is a noise which sounds like it is coming from the tranny where the cv shaft comes out of it on the drivers side. The the noise sounds like a grinding noise which starts at about 10 or 15 miles an hour. When you get up a little higher the noise gets louder. We Jacked up the front and took the drivers side wheel off, the best I can tell the noise is coming from the tranny. The person that gave us the car said it's been making the noise for about a year, possibly about the time someone hit a rail road tie on the freeway. Hitting the tie busted a hole in the backside of the aluminum driver's side wheel. Please help, the car was free and I woudl like to fix it if it's not going to cost an arm and a leg.

[boristheblade]

Quite possible a shot bearing. take out the halfshaft and see if you can feel anything, metal shavings or just the wobble of the bearing.