Odd sound coming from my transmission - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-18-2007, 10:17 AM

Lately, I've been noticing a high pitched whirring sound coming from the automatic transmission (A245E) on my 97 Corolla, it occurs from the second I start the car and continues whereever I drive. The transmission shifts kind of roughly at times and seems to hunt also.

What is the cause of this?

Should I be worried?

EDIT: Transmission fluid level is normal. Car has approximately 152,000km

***REN69*** · 07-18-2007, 10:37 AM

You sure it's not a serpentine belt? it almost sounds like what the belts would do when they're lose or ready to break.

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-18-2007, 10:51 AM

Pretty sure, I just had my timing belt replaced last year, and checked the others for any wear or slack. Found nothing that would indicate this.

powellsd · 07-18-2007, 11:09 AM

are you getting the noise while u are idle? If so could be waterpump, alternator, Serp belt, Tensioner for Serp Belt

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-18-2007, 07:38 PM

Yes, the sound also occurs at idle

I looked over all those spots and found nothing out of the ordinary

Any other possible culprits?

94_Rolla_Guy · 07-18-2007, 07:45 PM

are you sure its the A245L if its the A131L (3spd) its got a second case for differential oil. when they run dry the diff gears start to whine. it doesn't really seem to fit but....

If i were you i would invest in one of those mechanics stethoscope's or use a long screwdriver and take a listen its amazing how quickly you can find problems

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-18-2007, 08:46 PM

I have the 1.8L 7A-FE engine, it's a 4-speed automatic with overdrive

powellsd · 07-18-2007, 08:55 PM

if it occurs at idle then it wouldnt be your tranny. i bet you have a bearing going out on pully somewhere, still can be your waterpump, alt, powersterring, serp belt, belt tensioner. How old is all that stuff..

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-18-2007, 09:17 PM

still all original, going on 10 years now, owned the car since new

powellsd · 07-18-2007, 10:47 PM

that is a pretty long time on that water pump, alt and other equipment..

***PhatRoyale*** · 07-19-2007, 10:16 PM

Well, this is odd... it turns out that the sound wasn't coming from the transmission at all. Or at least I think.

I just got back from a trip stateside and before I left I:
-changed the oil
-used fuel injector cleaner
-filled up with premium gas

Oddly now, the sound is completely gone.... car runs smooth as butter, I don't understand what it could have been