I might have a transmission issue? Advise please?

[Chrez]

Hi all, I hope you can offer advice? I have a 1999 Limited V6, automatic.
Last night when driving home from work I noticed what sounded like loud wind noise coming from under the vehicle. As it was really windy out I thought nothing of it. Today however when driving to work, same thing. When going up a long hill it downshifts to make this loud whirring noise.
When I turn off overdrive it reduced. But when starting from a stop, it happens again. I can basically make the tranny noise when working the gas aggressively.
That said, the tranny fluid is full & I admit is due for a flush/change.
I know it's pretty hard to diagnose sounds over the net, but are any of these symptoms "tell-tale" signs of a specific issue?
Any advice would be welcome.

Best Regards, Chris.

 

[ajonesnv]

Sounds kinda like the early stages of my buddies failure. May be the pump failing.

 

[Chrez]

I didn't think it was the pump, because I can't get the sound in neutral or park?

 

[gamefreakgc]

If it's linked to engine RPM's then also check other fluid levels such as the power steering. Also check your drive belts for damage or cracking. Those two are probably the most common noises on the front end of the vehicle.

Also check the engine bay for vacuum leaks. That's usually the whirring/whistling noises I've had in the past.

That being said, it still could be the transmission. How are the shifting points? Does it linger or the RPM's sort of "wander" between shifts? How is the fluid? Bright red, dirty, or dark?

 

[Chrez]

Thanks for the reply. Yes when it's cold it always seems to rev high in relation to speed, until it warms up. I do need to flush & change the fluid in the transmission, though I'm not sure if clean fluid will make a huge difference, does it? Should I just flush/fill & go from there or is there a way to diagnose a problem. Or any maintenance I could have done, like tighten bands & make adjustments before I do the flush?
All drive belts are tight & power steering fluid is up.

Thanks for your input.

 

[gamefreakgc]

The high revs at cold are normal.

Clean, fresh fluid makes more of a difference than you might think. Most shops won't do power flushes on older transmissions, since you risk damaging the transmission if you kick up metal shavings. Most will do a passive fluid exchange or a drain and fill. A passive fluid exchange would totally replace the fluid but is more expensive, where as a drain and fill will only replace about half of the fluid in there.

Both are better than nothing though. When the fluid is dark and burnt/contaminated, it loses its ability to lubricate which can cause parts to rub or chip. Best to get it looked at sooner than later since any damage done is irreversible.

The transmission is the most expensive system to service, sometimes more expensive than an engine. Just like you wouldn't drive with bad oil, think in the same terms for the transmission.

 

[Chrez]

Awesome Jerod, thanks so much for your input.
I'll call my mechanic right now & make an appointment for tomorrow.
Why is it, that just when we're starting to get really ahead & comfortable financially that our vehicles break down?
Darn Murphy.

Thanks again, Chris.

 

[gamefreakgc]

For sure. As long as you have a good trust relationship with your mechanic (unfortunately not all are as honest as others) follow his advice. Obviously I can't see your 4Runner and feel how it actually runs and what noises it makes.

 

[Chrez]

Well, It turns out that it's a tranny fluid pump. I think it's part of the torque converter? Mechanic says fluid is fine, but recommends sending out tranny to be rebuilt at AAMCO. Estimated cost is 2500.00 - 3500.00 CDN. OUCH.

 

[ben550]

Not sure if this is hearsay but I would stay away from rebuilding the transmission. I was told by a toyota tech that toyota transmissions don't do well being rebuilt. He said if one needs a new transmission they replace it with a used one or new one.

I found this out after I had had my 07 tacoma transmission rebuilt. It never ran the same after the rebuild. Just was not as smooth and I was not 100% sure the shop used all OEM parts...

Id either do a swap with another working transmission you can buy or upgrade your truck.

 

[KayToo]

Hello! I have developed the same issues with my 2002 T4R. What was the outcome of your tranny O/D “wind“ noise problem? Was it a transmission pump or something else?

 

[brillo_76]

Hello! I have developed the same issues with my 2002 T4R. What was the outcome of your tranny O/D “wind“ noise problem? Was it a transmission pump or something else?

Is the whining noise coming when the transmission is in D and quieter when in P or N?

Is it take more rpm to get moving?

Wants to stall when you stop at a stop sign?




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