slight whining noise with car in gear (TC?)

[Evans Ward]

I've just noticed a slight whining noise coming from trans/ torque converter area that sounds like when the power steering pump is low on fluid only with car in gear. Will not do it in either park or neutral. Noticable to the ear over the motor noise. Trans is newly rebuilt with only about 1500 miles on it and it shifts firm with no noticable problems or slippage. Torque converter was replaced then too and it's a CK Performance Pro-Torque D5 remanned 2800 stall unit. I checked trans fluid and it looks great with no discoloration (Amsoil synth universal ATF), level good also at alittle above the full mark. No leakage underneath car. Is the whining sound a bearing going out in the TC? Wonder if I should drain and drop trans pan to take a look. Could it be cavitation or filter backing out? Might look just to see for that. From the reading I've done, most said TC suspect if it doesn't whine when in park or neutral too. Easy miles on this combo, no track use. Should I not use or drive the car at this point as I want to save this trans!? Thanks for any help guys!

 

[SSedan64]

Sounds like you're on the right track, TC problems.
You don't want to send any debri through it if it's a TC bearing/bushing failing.
Todd

 

[Evans Ward]

Sounds like you're on the right track, TC problems.
You don't want to send any debri through it if it's a TC bearing/bushing failing.
Todd

Thanks Todd for the reply. I'm going to park the car until I can study up and decide what converter may be best for my combo. Better safe than sorry. I just worked several hours on another vehicle with a brake job and don't feel like pulling a tranny right now.... Anyone who wants to give a recommendation on a lock up converter for my combo (see sig below), please feel free to post here or PM me!

 

[turboadict]

I'd say torque converter - had exactly the same thing with mine. Ran it till it developed a problem a bit like the lock up solenoid not releasing at coast down and the car wanted to stall. I thought it was the solenoid.

Anyway, swapped the converter (Dusty hooked me up - highly recomended) and cut open the old one for a look. Couldn't believe the devestation.

Hopefully I've attatched a picture.

 

[Evans Ward]

I'd say torque converter - had exactly the same thing with mine. Ran it till it developed a problem a bit like the lock up solenoid not releasing at coast down and the car wanted to stall. I thought it was the solenoid.

Anyway, swapped the converter (Dusty hooked me up - highly recomended) and cut open the old one for a look. Couldn't believe the devestation.

Hopefully I've attatched a picture.

Thanks for the reply! I'm hoping I've caught this early so not to contaminate the trans fluid since I use Amsoil universal synth per the builder. That stuff is about $10 a qt. I'll drain it and take a close look.

I have read rave reviews about Dusty's PTC converters. I'll need to contact him to get a specific recommendation and price quote per my combo. I also read good things about the Pat's 10 inch. I'll go again with a lock up as this is pretty much a street ride.

 

[Evans Ward]

Changed TC and that cured the problem. I think I caught it early as didn't see metal or bad debris when I dropped the pan. Did a good flush (along with other work ) and she's back running strong again! I do have some electrical gremlins though..... :frown: