Thread: Trans noise, even when idle?!?

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?

Originally Posted by zql8tr

I was kinda thinking the same thing. But, why would it make the noise with the motor revs while stopped?

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.

Originally Posted by scottydoggs

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.

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

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.

As scotty said, a PS pump low on fluid will groan and whine as it aerates the fluid.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

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

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...

Get a mechanic's stethescope. Or, try using a screwdriver for the stethescope (you can google it).