Ok, the car is a 2004 Olds Alero, but i wanted to post here over the Eco forums because it appears there is more response here..

the car has the Ecotec, and the Automatic, same as the ones in the cavy's and such. a friend brought it to me, saying it had a funny noise when driving. Mind you, i have replaced the LF wheel bearing once (it was toast at 40000 miles...). I drive it, and it doesn't sound anything like a wheel bearing, and the pitch of the noise changes with each gear shift.

This leads me to believe that something is wrong on the inide of the transmission. BTW, I know my way around cars, im not certified yet, but have 3+ years experience, and know what noises are what. There is no play in the bearing, and the noise is louder closer to the transmission...I wish i had a mechanics stethoscope to pinpoint the noise, but im 95% sure its the tranny...

I guess my question is, has anyone here had a problem like this, and what was it?

Heres a few tips to help you out.

Now if it makes the noise in 1st 2nd and 4th only, we know it is the planterys. Why? Because in 1,2,4 the planetrys are either held, driven or driving, in 3rd direct drive they are not held, driven or driving they are spinning freely.

If you jack up the front wheels, and have someone drive it, try to isolate the noise even farther.

If it a whining sound, that makes it in all gears, but only when cold, and as it heats up it goes away, that is due to increased clearance between gears, but as it hetas up it expands slight and goes away.

Have you checked the fluid level, have you dropped the pan to check for shavings?




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

theres no way (that i've seen) to check the fluid level on this trans style, theres only a fill plug?! It makes the noise in all gears. I haven't dropped the pan, because its not my car and i havent been given any cash to do so. But therein lies the problem, how do i know when its full without chekcing the level??

I jacked up the LF corner (area of noise) and had someone put it in drive (open "diff", so the one wheel spins). I can kind of make the noise to the tranny.

The noise doesnt change much at all hot or cold.

is it only the 3 speed autos that have dipsticks? why? thats odd


2004 Cavalier, 2.2 ecotec, 5spd getrag
do you ever notice that the ones who talk the loudest have the least to talk about?

I do believe, the fluid should be checked hot, engine running, and at the top of the fill plug.

It makes it in all gears, so you now know it isnt the planterys gear sets.

You said the pitch changes, as the gears go higher, the noise gets louder or quieter?




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

I'll look a little more into checking the level (hell, i own an 04 malibu "classic" so its the same..)

it gets louder, but its not rediculous as the speed increases. I saw a problem once like this before, but it was a completely different problem. i know the guy was recommended to a trans shop, i just wish i knew the results!

There is a check plug on it if it's a 4t40e but you need to be under the car and check it. It should be wet to the bottom of the threads of the plug. Get a repair manual and it tells you how to check it. Stupid yes, but it gives you an idea.

Mine still slipped when it was full according to the plug though, I added more fluid and it stopped slipping.


Scott
2002 Audi S4, black
1996 Z24 auto, red

I would say based on what you have said, is the differental bearings are most likely failing.




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

the transmission is it the 4t45E or the 4t40E