Posted 2010-01-22 7:25 AM (#115575) Subject: Transmission
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
This may be nothing but on our Duramax when the engine is partially warmed up, it makes a quite noticably winding noise when I start driving it down the road. When the engine gets warmer it gets quieter but is still present. Could there be something going on with the transmission? I don't recall hearing this before...
Posted 2010-01-22 8:20 AM (#115578 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Veteran
Posts: 123 Location: Indiana
You might also want to check the coolant level. This sometimes will cause a noise. I had one vehicle make a whinning noise and it turned out to be the power steering fluid was low and the idiot mechanic had put brake fluid in the power steering line.
Posted 2010-01-22 8:23 AM (#115580 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: MT
Sometimes if your serpentine belt is getting old it will make a whinning noise before it goes bad. Just a thought that you might want to get that checked or jus replace it.
Posted 2010-01-22 8:56 AM (#115582 - in reply to #115577) Subject: RE: Transmission
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
Originally written by gard on 2010-01-22 8:05 AM Have you checked the fluid level? If it's an auto, when was the filter last changed? Using a synthetic fluid will insure the transmission's longevity.
Did all of that....It was making the noise prior...
Posted 2010-01-22 8:58 AM (#115583 - in reply to #115580) Subject: RE: Transmission
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
Originally written by brew26 on 2010-01-22 9:23 AM
Sometimes if your serpentine belt is getting old it will make a whinning noise before it goes bad. Just a thought that you might want to get that checked or jus replace it.
I thought a bad belt would squeak, not make a winding noise? It has recently started to squeak...
Posted 2010-01-22 9:00 AM (#115584 - in reply to #115578) Subject: RE: Transmission
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
Originally written by nobodyimportant on 2010-01-22 9:20 AM
You might also want to check the coolant level. This sometimes will cause a noise. I had one vehicle make a whinning noise and it turned out to be the power steering fluid was low and the idiot mechanic had put brake fluid in the power steering line.
Posted 2010-01-22 10:00 AM (#115589 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
The Allison transmissions whine, just sit back and enjoy the Duramax/Allison combo!!!... They sound like the old Power Glides from the late fifties and early sixties.
You could be hearing a little turbo/EGR noise. Is it really noticeable when it's warmed up? My Allison transmission is louder when it's cold.
Check your fluid leverl and keep an eye out for any fluid leaks. Just keep a check on it.
Posted 2010-01-22 12:26 PM (#115596 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Shift the transmission to neutral and rev the engine. If the noise changes, it's in the engine. Of course, do this on a clear road and no traffic. But I didn't have to caution you...
Had another vehicle with a serpentine belt. Used to make a whinning noise when cold too. A new Goodyear gaterback belt cured the problem/ The Goodyear belt has cuts in the v-profile.
You could spray a bit of water on the belt to try to isolate the whine source.
Posted 2010-01-22 10:28 PM (#115605 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
What year is your truck? Mine is an '02 Duramax and does the same thing. Only when it's cold. I freaked out when it started doing this. Maybe the turbo is starting to go out? I took it in and the mechanics said they couldn't find anything. Now i am noticing a slight vibration going down the road. So maybe the steering?Fluid? It is due for the tires to be balanced and rotated.
Posted 2010-01-22 10:33 PM (#115607 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
No No - it's not a belt. It sounds like the engine or tranny is winding up. I have had every belt go out on me several times with my work vehicles. This is something else. This is my first Diesel though.
Posted 2010-01-22 11:15 PM (#115608 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
As was previously stated, you might consider the power steering pump. I don't have a GM truck, but I and my family have had many GM automobiles. All of them with age, (50K or better) have had noisy power steering pumps. They will make a metallic noise when cold, with it dissipating as they warm up.
One way to test the pump is when it's cold and noisy, turn the steering wheel while at idle. If the noise changes pitch with the engine speed, it may be your pump.
If this is the problem with yours, the fix is easy and inexpensive. Remove about half of the power steering fluid from the reservoir, and refill it with Mobil One synthetic transmission fluid. The next time you start the motor, the whine will again appear and then go away... for good.
PLEASE NOTE:
After posting this thread, I was informed that in the GM trucks, the power steering pump also powers the brakes, "Hydraboost".... Apparently the only approved fluid is the GM power steering fluid, which is heavier than ATF. They do not approve of the lighter viscosity ATF for this application.
If your GM car has this problem, try the ATF. On the trucks it should not be used. Sorry for the misinformation.
Posted 2010-01-23 7:56 AM (#115612 - in reply to #115575) Subject: RE: Transmission
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Ingalls, Ks
I would also give check to the alternator (my guess), air conditioner bearing and all of the idlers associated with running the engine. I've got a Ford PS with an air conditioner bearing that makes some weird noises but has been that way for 70k miles. My experience with GM is usually an alternator bearing. Those idlers also have a finite life. I replace them at about 100-125k just to be safe.
Transmission
