Hey everyone. I have a 1998 6 cylinder SR5 automatic with 152k miles. Just this past couple of days I noticed a somewhat quiet whining noise that sounds like its coming from the transmission. It kind of came and then went, but just earlier today I went up a steep hill and it got much, much louder. The noise is correlated with engine RPMs but only happens when in gear and accelerating. At about 2500 RPM it kind of goes away or flutters. Oddly enough, when I downshift and the RPMs go way up the noise is nonexistent. Everything shifts normally with no clunking and I'm able to start from a stop with no problems--the car drives normally.

A couple of months ago I did replace the water pump/timing belt, as well as the valve cover gaskets as they were leaking oil and also discovered the transmission fluid was burnt. Did a drain and fill and replaced the transmission fluid filter and everything seemed in good shape, nevermind the fluid. There were some shavings on the magnets but nothing too concerning. I checked the fluid again today and its still burnt looking but doesn't smell awful and is at the proper operating level both hot and cold.

Anyways, Looking for any advice as to whats going on and what the possible fix is, or if I just need a new transmission. Someone I know who is mechanically inclined told me it sounds like the clutch is slipping. Let me know what you think. Thanks!!

Here's a video where you can clearly hear the noise I'm talking about: 1998 Toyota 4Runner Transmission Whine Noise - YouTube

I feel your pain think I'm in the same boat at 256k miles. I have been (not) dealing with a progressively worse 'noise' in my AT(?), and I'm not proud to say that it's been a creeping issue for over a year. I've driven over 10,000 often stress-filled miles (with the music loud) as it's my only vehicle and I have a lot of places to be. I haven't had the time or especially the resources to deal with it having 2 kids in college, blah blah.....you know the deal. I took out a loan to cover a Yota1 rebuilt but squandered it on other bills hoping I'd find a different cheaper cause but haven't found the miracle fix yet. I did have some crazy u-joint noise that I dealt with but this seems much more serious. I don't even have anywhere to park it but the city streets or a driveway 120 miles away in the sticks. I think it's coming to a head because it got a lot worse today, prompting me to hang my phone out the window. I have AAA premium for a 200 mile tow but no other plans currently. I reduced the clip size due to email attachment size to get it to a computer for YT upload. I don't really use YT much but here is mine:

It's not like a metal hitting sound? As sometimes these flex plate will crack making noise. You can. Probably check that via the inspection plate. If nothing else rule that out.

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Upon listening to both your videos. Those sound exactly like my 1997 limited before I replaced the transmission and torque convertor.

That's definitely not the flex plate sound.


Does it happen to go quiet in park and neutral?

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Yeah goes completely silent when in neutral or park, and oddly enough when downshifting too

Yep sounds just like mine. Sorry my friend…

Replacement Transmission and Torque Convertor is the fix.

My 1997 limited was mug bogged for a while n by PO. Not only did that take out the engine blown head gaskets and sever wear. They managed to overheat the transmission. Which i think the sound you are hearing. I think its the Torque converter your hearing but not 100% on that. Being its a little bit of a project. I did both the TC and a known good transmission.

I also noticed that i had to give it more beans to get it moving. Which is a sign of torque convertor fins warped from the heat. As they don't effectively move the fluid properly after this occurs.

You can try a TC. Then if all is well you know that was it. I just replaced both and all is good with that one.

Sorry I cant narrow it down more then that for you guys but that's what i did to fix that problem. :-)


Edit:

How is the fluid looking in these ATM is it clean or full of metal fillings?

Hey, thanks for your insights. The fluid is burnt but and there were some shavings on the magnets but nothing too concerning. Was planning a second drain and fill soon but then this noise started happening.

Does the sound always match RPM, especially when coming to a complete stop or leaking a stop? Or does it seem to 'speed up' when you slowly drive away from a stop? If it doesn't match RPM in those instances it's the torque converter. Mine did that after the planetary gear in the transmission disintegrated and sent metal shards throughout the engine. In my case, both were toast. Unfortunately, replacing the torque converter or the entire transmission is the same amount of work so might as well do both. Having the fluid burnt is a really bad sign, nothing ruins it faster than fluid that isn't lubricating as it should be anymore.

Thanks for your reply. It matches the engine RPM up to about 3k but only while on the throttle. So decelerating or even downshifting you can’t hear it at all.

If you have burt fluid... The transmission is on its last leg.

Not trying to be a downer but that's bad... May it go another 30k. However, that does damage...



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You'll need my video series and a rebuilt trans and torque converter. Contact Yota1 Performance. They might be able to ship you a trans and torque converter for a fair price. Yota1 Performance Engine & Machine - Your Toyota needs all in one place!