Just like other key systems of a vehicle, the transmission system is delicate and prone to a myriad of problems with whining being one of them.
This problem is usually caused by some issues, including insufficient fluid levels, excessive air intake in the fluid line, and a clogged fluid line. It begs the question, what is the best way to stop transmission whine?
If you would like to know how to stop transmission whine the best way possible, be very attentive for the next few minutes.
Alright, the first thing you should do is diagnose and find the root cause of the noise, mainly the ones I’ve written above. Once you figure it out, fix it, and the noise will be gone just like that.
Contents
Why Does the Transmission Make a Whining Noise?
1. Transmission Fluid Level Too Low
Your car has a minimum transmission fluid level threshold. You can use the transmission dipstick, which is calibrated accordingly, to see either if your TFL is low, OK, or full.
Remember that transmission fluid does not diminish just like that since it doesn’t burn off like other fluids in your car. So, if you have a low fluid level, that can only be a result of a leakage somewhere.
Consequently, you want to find and seal the leakage first, and then top your fluid level back up.
Usually, transmission lines are made out of steel, but sometimes also rubber. A downside to steel is that it’s less puncture-resistant as compared to rubber. Issues like corrosion, wear and tear, and abrasion can all cause it to puncture.
2. Excessive Air Intake In the Fluid Line(s)
As said earlier, transmission fluid line(s) can be affected by excessive air intake. This problem usually occurs due to many reasons, including transmission pump failure.
For starters, the transmission pump plays an integral role, circulating the transmission fluid throughout the gearbox system and maintaining the proper fluid pressure.
If the pump fails, it will allow air to enter the transmission system, causing internal contamination of the transmission fluid. And excessive air in the transmission fluid line can manifest in the form of a whining noise.
2. The Transmission Fluid Line(s) Is/Are Clogged
Did you know that, without taking good care of your transmission system, your transmission fluid lines could get clogged? Sure, the lines could get clogged by a contaminated fluid or debris from your gearbox components.
You know that there’s a blockage in one or both of your transmission lines if the whining noise gets worse whenever the car is reversing.
Oh, and by the way, a clogged transmission line can be a sign of a much more serious transmission issue requiring immediate attention.
How To Stop Transmission Whining?
The answer depends on the root cause of it. For instance, if it is;
- Insufficient Transmission Fluid Level: Seal the leakage first and then top the fluid level back up.
- Excessive Air Intake In the Fluid Line(s): Find out and fix what’s causing excessive air intake in the fluid line. Usually, it’s transmission pump failure.
- The Transmission Fluid Line(s) Is/Are Clogged: Have your mechanic unlock and open up your affected transmission fluid line(s) accordingly so that the fluid can once again flow freely.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix This Problem?
Again, the answer depends on the root cause of it. For example, if it is;
- Insufficient Transmission Fluid Level: The total cost to repair and correct this issue can be estimated to be anywhere from $300-$500.
- Excessive Air Intake In the Fluid Line(s): On average, the total cost to repair and correct this issue is usually anywhere from $100 to $500, per line.
- The Transmission Fluid Line(s) Is/Are Clogged: On average, it costs somewhere around $200 to flush and unclog a single transmission fluid line.
Conclusion
The transmission system is an integral part of a vehicle, which transfers the power from the engine to the differential and drive shaft. This action allows the wheels to rotate, moving the vehicle in a forward or backward motion.
A whining sound coming from a transmission system is never a good sign. Usually, it occurs when your fluid level is too low, there’s excessive air intake in the fluid line(s), or the line(s) is clogged.
If you notice that your transmission system is making this noise, be sure to take your vehicle to a mechanic ASAP.
