transmission noise 2000 sienna

[mattharris]

I took my van to my mechanic and he says the noise is coming from the transmission. We put it up on the lift and put it in gear to be able to hear the noise. It only happens when in gear and moving. It appears to be coming from the transmission.

The sound is a ticking noise that increases in frequency as the vehicle accelerates. It is not affected by changes in engine rpm. The noise is reminiscent of a cv joint or wheel bearing noise but there are no other indications that it is a cv joint or wheel bearing.

Does this sound like the transmission side of the cv joint? I do not want to have my transmission replaced just to find out the drive shaft was the problem.

Van has 160k miles on it and has been well maintained.

[TimL94]

It's hard to say if it isn't a wheel or outer CV axle noise. It could be something else other than the tranny. How does the ATF look and smell?
If I were you I would not have any tranny work done unless the tranny starts to slip or give worse trouble. With tranny work the difference to fix a small problem (that may not even be a problem) won't be much less than having to fix a real tranny problem with slippage or loss of a gear.
Is there a way to jack up both front wheels, put on jack stands, start the car and check for yourself in the driveway?
I'd proceed with caution.

[mattharris]

You read my mind. I was in the garage when he put it up and I could tell it was in the tranny also. Thanks for the second opinion though.

[TierOneSupplier]

Matt -- sorry to dig up an old thread, but what did you find out about your transmission noise?