Strange sounds coming from your vehicle concern any driver. However, mysterious noises let you know that something is wrong. Keep reading to learn what noises might indicate a failing transmission.
Whining
Whining sounds from the transmission have two common causes. If you hear whining when your car is in reverse, this means that your transmission fluid line has a clog. Unfortunately, a clogged line is often a sign of deeper transmission problems. You should service your vehicle as soon as possible in this case.
On the flip side, whining noises when your vehicle is in gear indicate an issue with the torque converter. Check to see if the noise stops when you park the car or put it in neutral. Constant noise while in gear needs professional help. It’s best to visit a mechanic soon if you hear any whining sounds.
Gurgling
Typically, gurgling sounds mean that your transmission fluid levels are too low. Excess air in the transmission line causes this noise. You’ll hear gurgling if your transmission slips while trying to shift gears. This problem can develop if there’s a transmission leak. It can also happen if you forget to check the fluid levels. Letting transmission fluid get too low makes your system overheat as the fluid can’t lubricate the transmission.
Furthermore, your vehicle can’t generate hydraulic pressure with low fluid levels, leading to gear slippage. Although this problem is frustrating, it’s fixable! Replacing the transmission fluid or fixing leaks can prevent serious damage.
Clunking
A clunking noise might indicate a failing transmission too. If you hear clunking while accelerating or decelerating, it can be a sign of low transmission fluid. However, it can also indicate damaged gears. In particular, gears slipping between shifts can produce noticeable clunking noises.
Grinding
Grinding is another concerning sound from transmissions. It can be a user error for manual systems, as grinding while shifting gears isn’t a huge concern. However, it’s only a small problem if it’s not a consistent noise.
Grinding may indicate an issue with your planetary gear system for automatic transmissions. Automatic units rely on this system to ensure that the transmission works properly. And damage to the planetary gear means damage to your transmission. When it gets to the “grinding” noise stage, your planetary gear system suffers from major problems, creating transmission issues. You should visit the auto repair shop to mitigate the issue.
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