Differential noise diagnosis

[ss1670]

I'm looking to purchase a 91 Camry V6 with automatic transmission. Only 85K on the car. Transmission is A540E.
I test drove the car and there's definetly a power steering pump issue but what scares me is a "whining" noise that I believe is the might be the differential. Steering (rack and pinion) doesn't seem to be affected) even though you hear the power steering pump making noises.
The car shifts fine all the way to OD and I took it on the highway at 60+ MPH and the noise "differential" remains about the same noise level. It doesn't increase or decrease based on speed. What makes me think it's the differential is that when I put it into neutral on the highway the whining noise doesn't go away. (even though the PS pump noise is present there seems to be two noises going on)
Are these A540E transmissions prone to this.
BTW, after the highway drive, I looked at the tranny fluid via the dipstick and it doesn't smell burnt and seems at the correct level.

The car is immaculate but I hate to shell out another grand or so for transmission work.

My "Plan B" is to take it to a transmission shop for a diagnosis before I make an offer.

Thanks!

Any suggestions on other testing or diagnosis would be appreciated.

[white90dx]

Does the sound change pitch with road speed, engine speed, load or any other thing? Does it change volume with road speed, engine speed, load or any other thing?

Did you check the power steering fluid level? They are prone to having a high pressure hose leak that could cause low fluid level and power steering pump noises... It should be refilled with Dexron II/III ATF if its low.

I assume it doesn't make any odd noises when stopped?

-Charlie

[ss1670]

The seller is allowing me to take the car to a transmission shop for an inspection. While I have to shell out a few bucks to get the car on the rack, it's worth the money upfront instead of facing $$$$ down the road. If it is the differential, I will simply walk away from the deal. I'll post what we find out.

[Doctor J]

the ideal testing for differential is the treadmill similar to these used for smogs.

[ss1670]

Transmission guy took the car for a short drive. We barely got out of his parking lot when he declared the tranny "in the bottom of the ninth". I gladly walked away from the deal. Poor seller looked pretty depressed.

[mk2-1jz]

you can pick up those transmissions for pretty cheap, and you can replace it yourself if you have a couple spare nights and are handy.

Depends on the price of the car. You could definitely get the car down in price a considerable amount if you tell the guy, listen the estimate to change the transmission is 1500$ take some off the top and we can make a deal, I have to invest that much more to make it road worthy. And either he has to do it or you do. I know for me personally thats what I'd do, but it aint the first time I've swapped and/or repaired a transmission either.

[Doctor J]

I suspecting the mechanic will buy that car for low price and then re-sell it for two times more
It is bullshit to tell that differential is dying after 100 feet driving test.

[mk2-1jz]

well wouldn't you? honestly for what it needs if you could pick it up for a steal.