Transmission noise

Many complaints from drivers are about manual transmission noise. You really have to take a few extra minutes before beginning diagnosis to make sure the noise is not coming from other components.

In some cases unusual noises may also be a sign of problems in the engine or transmission mounting systems or retaining bolts.

Loose engine to transmission mounting bolts can cause improper alignment and movement between these heavy components. Vibration can also back of bolts that attach these items to there ruberized mounts.

Not only can this condition cause hard-to-find noises but can also increase wear on the manual transmission input shaft and related bearings.

Also a common problem that I have found on many vehicles would be a problem with separation of either the rubber engine mounts or transmission mounts.

These items hold the major components in place but also isolate vibration and noise from the frame and passenger compartment.

Manual transmission noises

Once all of the other possible causes are eliminated you can then turn your attention to the trans-mission or transaxle assembly.

Some common causes of internal transmission noise can be damaged bearings, synchronizers, or even worn chipped or damaged gear teeth. One way to confirm internal noises is if you're able to make the noise come and go by selecting certain gears.

In fact if the noise changes or disappears in different gears this can actually indicate specific problems in that particular area of the transmission.

Transmission noise diagnosis

The type of noise that you hear may also help indicate the problem. A growling noise may be a sign of internal malfunctions depending on when it occurs.

If the growling sound happens when the transmission is in neutral and the clutch is engaged the problems could be with an input shaft or their related bearings.

Also the input shaft pilot bushing that fits into the flywheel should be inspected for wear or damage. If a manual transmission noise is detected in all forward gears the final drive components and the output shaft should be inspected.

Noise in forward gears can also indicate internal counter shaft bearing issues or even counter shaft to cluster assembly bearings.

If these types of internal problems are suspected it will most likely have to be disassembled for visual inspection. In most manual transmissions the bottom drain plug is actually a magnet.

You can remove the drain plug and catch the fluid and inspect it for signs of metal or pieces of needle bearings.

If this metal debris is found in the oil that was removed or on the drain plug magnet then looking inside the transmission would seem justified.

When these pieces of metal or brass flakes are suspended in the fluid they can continue to circulate and cause additional damage inside the transmission. These circulating pieces of debris can also cause the need for additional major repairs.

The main section for drive line components is up next. This page discusses both front wheel and rear wheel drive manual drive trains

This next page talks about a few other common problems that can occur in manual transmissions. As well as other types of transmission noise

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