Tranny howling...what gives?

[Z Ya Later]

Ok, I noticed this when I was driving into work. If I let off the gas, the tranny starts to howl...very loud too. It doesn't do it in 1st or 2nd, very slight in 3rd, but loud in 4th-6th. If I push the clutch in, it goes away, hence why I think its the tranny. If I keep her at a steady speed or accelerate, its not there, or if it is its not nearly as loud (its louder than the pipes ). Could it just need some fluid? I need to change the oil anyways, so I'm gonna it. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

[Z Ya Later]

Still doing it on the way home. Now in 3rd. Seems to be related to vehicle speed when the load of the motor is placed on the driveline during decceleration. Any ideas on where to look? Anyone? Thanks.

[TraceZ]

Have you changed the fluid yet?

[Z Ya Later]

Have you changed the fluid yet?

Had it changed when the clutch was done. That was Nov. of 03. I believe they just put in regular Dexron III, nothing special.

[Joe 1320]

Steve, be aware that if you have an aluminum driveshaft, they are very good at transmitting driveline noise. When my pinion bearing was going south, it transmitted the noise up to the transmission. Even the trans shop that did the transmission at first thought something was wrong with their work. Not saying that is your problem, but it's worth a note.

[TraceZ]

So it's been in there a couple years. Maybe it's contaminated with something?

I'd try changing it first... always do the cheap things before you do the expensive things.

[Z Ya Later]

Steve, be aware that if you have an aluminum driveshaft, they are very good at transmitting driveline noise. When my pinion bearing was going south, it transmitted the noise up to the transmission. Even the trans shop that did the transmission at first thought something was wrong with their work. Not saying that is your problem, but it's worth a note.

And, ya know, I thought about there being a problem with the rear end. I do have the 1LE shaft on it, but if it was the rear, wouldn't it do it all the time? Its only on deccel. with the trans. engaged. If I release the clutch and leave it in Neutral, its fine.

So it's been in there a couple years. Maybe it's contaminated with something?

I'd try changing it first... always do the cheap things before you do the expensive things.

I've been thinking about switching to synthetic for a while anyways, either Royal Purple or B&M Trickshift. Looks like that got bumped up the list lol .



Thanks for the help so far guys, I appreciate it. Is there anything I can/should look for while I'm under there? Could it just be a lack of LSD additive and/or gear oil?

[N20LT4Bird]

I would bet its the rear end too. Howling is possible from the T56, but uncommon. The rear end will howl more in overdrive as there is less torque applied to it. As the amount of torque applied and RPM varies the noise will change...this is very common for the rear end. If you jack it up and remove the drive shaft, you can get an idea of how tight the pinion bearing is. You should have a hard time moving the yoke.....if it spins real free, you may be in line for new pinion bearings. Excessive backlash and carrier bearings can casue the noise you are talking about too.

[Z Ya Later]

I would bet its the rear end too. Howling is possible from the T56, but uncommon. The rear end will howl more in overdrive as there is less torque applied to it. As the amount of torque applied and RPM varies the noise will change...this is very common for the rear end. If you jack it up and remove the drive shaft, you can get an idea of how tight the pinion bearing is. You should have a hard time moving the yoke.....if it spins real free, you may be in line for new pinion bearings. Excessive backlash and carrier bearings can casue the noise you are talking about too.

Looooovely! Just what I don't have the money for. So, I'm guessing this is something I need to take it in for, right? I have 0 experience with rears.

[TraceZ]

Yup, it could be the rear. Even something as little as pushing in the clutch could change the load on the diff gears enough to make the noise change.

[Joe 1320]

As the rear wears, you will become more prone to a howl, usually on deceleration.

Now that I think about it, that also decribes Wolfman.


D&R

[Z Ya Later]

Ok, looks like its time to get on the phone with the tranny shop. Thanks guys, I'll keep ya posted.

***EDIT***

Well, I called my tranny shop. $750 for the bearings and such, up to $1500 for everything (gears, LSD unit, etc....worst case). UGH!!! I don't have this money w/o asking my dad.

[braindeadracefan]

Just my two cents, but I'd change the diff oil and put in the additive and see what that does. My T/A developed a horrible noise on deceleration and that's what it turned out to be. It's cheaper than replacing parts anyway, and it certainly won't hurt to try.

[Z Ya Later]

Just my two cents, but I'd change the diff oil and put in the additive and see what that does. My T/A developed a horrible noise on deceleration and that's what it turned out to be. It's cheaper than replacing parts anyway, and it certainly won't hurt to try.

Thanks for the tip. She's actually sitting in the shop now. They've said its definitely in the rear, so we'll see. They're gonna pop it open tomorrow and see what's up. Thanks everyone for your help. I'll let you know what happens.

[Red20170]

My T/A developed a horrible noise on deceleration and that's what it turned out to be. It's cheaper than replacing parts anyway, and it certainly won't hurt to try.

Same here on my 96.. fluid change fixed it..