AT Whirring Noise

[MysticGold04]

First a little history....

I bought my Highlander a little less than 2 years ago. At the time, it had 72,000+/- miles on it. Since then I've had the pan dropped and cleaned, filter changed and a partial fluid change, at that time. Just recently, I began hearing a slight whirring sound when gently accelerating around 20-35mph. It goes away above that. What would cause that? I also just recently did a cooler line flush, and flushed 9 quarts of T-IV through. (the noise existed before the fluid exchange) The fluid is still a nice cherry red color. It drives great, just the noise concerns me. Any ideas?

 

[Pablo]

Only when gently accelerating. Hmm....good stump the chump (me) question.

First - have you hit the Highlander/Toyota forums? They are much more likely to have MORE people with MOre similar vehicles.

Are you sure it's the tranny? Have you had a friend in the car, and hang his head out to assure this is the case? Since it just started, we can assume something changed - something worn or loose........

Have you googled it like mad?

 

[tig1]

Power steering pump.

 

[MysticGold04]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Only when gently accelerating. Hmm....good stump the chump (me) question.

First - have you hit the Highlander/Toyota forums? They are much more likely to have MORE people with MOre similar vehicles.

Are you sure it's the tranny? Have you had a friend in the car, and hang his head out to assure this is the case? Since it just started, we can assume something changed - something worn or loose........

Have you googled it like mad?


Yes I've looked and searched... not too much information out there... just mostly on how to service the U241. Still investigating...

 

[unDummy]

Toss in a bottle of lubegard red.

Tig1's suggestion needs to be investigated. You'd be surprised how many noises come from other areas. Maybe its the PS pump? did you flush that? Maybe its a harmonic coming from the engine valve train? or the water pump?

Transmission whir is normal. Its has a pump, gears, TC..... and something is out of spec. Usually its not anything to worry about. But, if the factory fill was used for 72k miles, then the damage is already done. If you're sure its the transmission, flush it out with Maxlife, Redline D4, Mobil1, Amsoil,... or another boutique ATF.

Is the whir temperature dependent? Does it happen when cold or just when hot?

Is it AWD? Grease the Ujoints.

Inspect the wheel bearings, the brakes, and the CV's.

 

[miller_cycle]

The transmission gear selector cable could be transmitting vibration into the cabin, which might sound like a whirring or ringing noise.