Transmission Pinion Bearing noise - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

zotparkerm · 09-26-2005, 09:53 AM

I recently asked about a whiny transmission noise and have been told by a mechanic I use (who does NOT work on trannys) that it appears to be the pinion bearing.

The noise only occurs while the transmission is actually driving the car. If I let off the gas, the whine goes away. The whine is speed dependant (pitch changes with speed).

What is a pinion bearing? Is this a bad thing or a REALLY bad thing? Is it something I can fix at home or do I need a new transmission?

I welcome all input.

95camguy · 09-26-2005, 10:27 AM

have you checked your fluid levels and is the fluid in good condition. i.e. not brown and burnt smelling?

zotparkerm · 09-26-2005, 11:20 AM

All fluid levels are good, as is condition of the fluids.

Cyorke · 09-26-2005, 01:00 PM

It is a lot easier to explain on a rear wheel drive so I will explain it as it pertains to one of those.

The pinion is basically where the drive shaft attaches to the rear differential. There is a gear on it which in turn rotates the ring gear to run the differential carrier to turn the wheels. Can you do it at home probably not unless you are really mechanically inclined. You will have to disassemble the tranmission to get to the transaxle to take out the pinion to access the pinion bearing.
is it bad or really bad. Well that is hard to say. It all depends on how long it has been making this noise and how you drive the car. It is something that make work fine today and tomorrow it will go out.

You could try downloading the camry repair manual that is stickied a the top of the page and see what you can come up with there to determine wether or ont it is something you want to tackle.If you do this go to section ax1 and just scroll til you find it in there.