Transmission Problem?

[CA_sunfire]

I have a 2000, automatic Sunfire.

The problem is that when the car is under load (like driving uphill) it makes a grinding noise from the transmission.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to the problem? Or have you had the same?

I'd like to have some idea before I take it to the mechanic...a little nervous .

Thanks so much .

[CA_sunfire]

No takers?

It's more like a whirring noise that can get louder...like a ball bearing or something...metal past metal...vrrrrrrr....

Well I'll keep you posted...I can't take it in for another week or so though...very broke and it sounds like an expensive noise.

[Ridenour]

Are you sure it's from the tranny? It sounds like it could be a bad wheel bearing. If it is actually from the tranny, have you checked / changed your tranny fluid lately?

[CA_sunfire]

I was going to have the mechanic change the fluid (had it done at 60K now at 74K) but he didn't know how many quarts to put in. I was in Yosemite Natl Park and it wasn't the most confidence instilling place (but nice).

Would a wheel bearing make noise only going uphill?

Hopefully fluid makes the diff. Have you heard anything about Saturn fluid making the transmission noise go away?

Thanks for replying . !