Transmission grinds, clunks, & whines on interstate
I was driving on the interstate and I heard a noise like grinding metal. At first, I thought I had a flat tire, so I pulled over but couldn't find anything wrong with any of the tires. After entering back onto the highway, the sound returned. Not only the grinding noise, but there was a 2nd high-pitched whining sound coming from the transmission. That was followed by a clunking that kept occurring and then something blew! My car began to slow down even though I was trying to accelerate. I pulled to the edge of the highway and turned the car off. Then turned it back on again. When shifting
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The driveshaft and final drive assembly needs to be checked. This is possibly caused by a failed center driveshaft bearing. The rubber insulator can fail and cause this type of issue. The vehicle undercarriage and driveline will need to be inspected. A center bearing that comes apart while driving can be extremely dangerous so this issue should be checked out immediately. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have the tools and training to diagnose the grinding transmission noise and restore safe operation to your vehicle.
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If you notice your car making a grinding sound when it accelerates, your issue is likely to do with your transmission, a problem with your differential, a bad wheel bearing, a damaged CV joint, or a worn engine/motor mount.
Should the whining noise of your transmission continue whenever your vehicle is in gear, this can mean there is a problem occurring in your torque converter. Check to see if the noise desists when you shift the vehicle to park or neutral. A constant whining noise when your car is in gear needs professional attention.
Bad transmission bearings – Your car`s transmission system has several bearings that can become damaged over time and need replacement. Damaged bearings can cause a loud whining noise as you accelerate which will become worse over time.
If you do start to hear these noises when shifting gears, they are certainly a cause for concern. Low transmission fluid and worn-out gears can be the culprit – and computerized sensors and solenoids can cause clunking if they send the wrong information to your car`s gearbox.
The grinding noise when you accelerate likely has to do with your car`s planetary gear system. This system ensures that the speed of your car`s wheels match the speed of the engine. If your wheels and your engine are not in sync (hence the grinding), this can cause significant damage to your transmission.
As the damage worsens, a faulty CV can produce a loud click, popping, or clunk sound. When making a tight turn at a low rate, frequent brake noise at low speed (caused by damage to the outer CV joints) causes grinding noises. A bad CV joint also causes a vibration in the steering wheel and the car`s floorboard.
A humming or whining noise in an automatic transmission vehicle often means that you are low on automatic transmission fluid. If this is the case, you want to refill that fluid immediately. Transmission fluid reduces friction, which means heat, which in turn is bad news for transmissions.
Beware a shake, jerk or grind
Automatic gearbox telltale signs include hesitation, slipping, or “trembling” during gear changes. Manuals are more likely to grind. Jerking and clunking noises are more likely to be caused by failing engine and transmission mounts.
A damaged fuel pump might make a loud, whining sound that you`ll hear from your gas tank. The pump may also make this noise if you`re low on fuel or the fuel in your tank is contaminated. The normal noise your pump makes is a low hum.
Whirring or Whining
Whirring and whining noises from the engine vary as the car runs fast or slow. These sounds can indicate a number of different problems, including a failing water pump, a bad power steering pump, low power steering fluid, a failing alternator, or problems with the air-conditioning system.
Automatic transmissions that shift hard, jerk or shake during a shift change may mean your transmission fluid needs changed or fluid level is low. In manual transmission vehicles, abnormal gear shifts could indicate damaged gear synchros, worn clutches or other, more severe issues.
Clunking
If the clunk happens when you drive over bumps, there might be a problem with your car`s suspension, or part of the exhaust could be loose. However, if your car clunks when you`re turning corners, it could be a problem with the steering, wheels and tyres, or a worn-out wheel bearing.
It sounds like you may have a wheel bearing that is dried up internally and no longer lubricated. This can cause a vibration to be felt in many parts of the vehicle. The best way to check for this is to have a certified mechanic test drive your vehicle to diagnose the vibration symptoms.
Malfunctioning Transmission Control Module
If you feel the jerk as your car shifts gears, you need to check the control module. The transmission control module controls the shifting as you accelerate, so you may experience delays with shifting, which can cause your car to jerk.
Grinding, Jerking, or Shaking
Shaking and jerking are good indicators of transmission trouble. Gear grinding is a common symptom in manual transmission vehicles. Automatic transmission failure often begins with some hesitation during gears shifting. Some might describe this a “slipping,” as well.
You might notice a grinding noise when driving at low speeds. The most common causes are problems with your continual velocity joints, brake pads, wheel bearings or alternator. Examining each one of these parts can help you pinpoint exactly where the issue is.
As you drive, the bearing rides on a metal axle shaft. This reduces friction as your wheel spins. When the bearings experience too much stress, they can become worn thin. This can cause a grinding or scraping sound to occur.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Transmission grinds, clunks, & whines on interstate
ANSWER : The driveshaft and final drive assembly needs to be checked. This is possibly caused by a failed center driveshaft bearing. The rubber insulator can fail and cause this type of issue. The vehicle undercarriage and driveline will need to be inspected. A center bearing that comes apart while driving can be extremely dangerous so this issue should be checked out immediately. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have the tools and training to diagnose the grinding transmission noise and restore safe operation to your vehicle.
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Whining from transmission to rear end area 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
ANSWER : Hello – your intuition is correct. The ring and pinion gear are severely worn, and will need to be replaced (w/all new ring and pinion bearings) to eliminate the "noise under load" you notice. Setting up a ring & pinion gearset and bearings requires specialized skills and equipment. Check with your local auto machine shop for reliable references and sources for this task.
Read Full Q/A … : Transmission grinds, clunks, & whines on interstate
Transmission slips out of fifth gear, makes grinding sounds
ANSWER : This is possibly a transmission shifter adjustment issue (5th gear, non-engagement). The noise issue may be related, but it is potentially serious regardless. You don’t mention what kind of "transmission problems" caused you to have the clutch repaired, but that problem may be related as well. Regardless, you should have the slipping issue inspected by a professional, like one from YourMechanic, before driving it further.
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2013 Ford Focus Transmission Issue. Is it worth keeping the car?
ANSWER : Hi There,
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.
This is a known issue in this generation Ford Focus and some Fiestas with the "Power Shift" transmission and there have been numerous recalls and lawsuits. Although, it is would be difficult to determine how much longer your transmission will last given the fact that you have many new parts, I would not recommend junking the car as it may still provide some valuable life left for you. I would recommend taking it to the dealer to see if these parts may be covered under the recall.
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Car making clunking, grinding noise 2006 Scion xB
ANSWER : Hi there – your symptoms suggest a problem with the transmission since they only appear when the vehicle is in gear. First task is to check the transmission fluid – you are looking for "clear" red fluid and no burned smell. I suspect, however, that more serious problem await inside the transmission. I recommend a transmission inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
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There is automatic transmission fluid in a manual transmission. Is it okay to leave or do I need manual transmission fluid?
ANSWER : This would depend on what the manufacturer recommends. Many manual transmissions do take automatic transmission fluid. If your transmission has ATF in it, it is very likely that it is supposed to have that in there. If not, it is likely that the transmission would not function properly with the wrong fluid. Many manual transmissions will also take engine oil as a lubricant. The best way to know for sure is to check your owner’s manual or call your local General Motors dealership to inquire.
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Can too much transmission fluid cause speedometer malfunctions?
ANSWER : Hi there. In most cases when you overfill the transmission fluid it can cause excessive foaming of the fluid or possible internal component failure due to excessive pressure inside the hydraulic lines. Sensors like the speed sensors however are rarely impacted by this situation. However, in regards to the possibility of probability of this; I would say perhaps a 10% chance.
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Transmission fluid comes up out of the transmission vent tube attached to the transmission dipstick tube
ANSWER : Hi there. Fluid seepage out of the vent tube can sometimes be normal, but can also be caused by overfilling. Has a service been performed recently? Perform a fluid level and condition inspection by having the engine at idle, on a level surface, warmed up engine, and remove the dipstick and cleaning it with a shop towel. Reinsert the dipstick and fully remove to a horizontal position for inspection. Make sure the fluid is not milky, very dark, or has contamination. The level should be in the safe zone marked on the stick.
Have an inspection by a qualified technician determine if any problems truly do exist and provide you with some assurance. YourMechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with a transmission leak inspection and can perform a transmission fluid service if needed.
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