Auto transmission noise.

[boy01]

I was wondering if anyone has had this problem or knows what it is. I have just bought a 98 xlt with 40,000 miles on it. I noticed while driving up hills the transmission will groan or grind before it will shift out of over drive. I thought that the tranny filter was getting plugged, but it just had it changed and the fluid flushed for a rediculous price. It is still making the noise. I am hoping that the trany isn't getting ready to go out. I just spend about $1500 fixing other things. It also doesn't seam to want to shift out of over drive. If anyone has heard of this problem or has had it I am curious had bad it is. I'm not sure if Ishould be worried or if it is normal. Thanks

 

[milkman11]

I just picked up a 95 xlt and trans makes a growling sound and seems to fight with itself between 3rd and 4th gear, i have heard from a couple friends that these were common complaints maybe someone can help us both

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the transmissions & transfer cases section. Sometimes transfer case noises could be misinterpreted as transmission noises, so check the transfer case.

 

[boy01]

I have noticed that it quits making the noise after a couple of hills and the tranny switches out of OD like it should. Still not sure what the problem is or it is normal for this year Explorer. I am going to check the transfer case in the morning, thanks for the suggestion Brooklyn.

 

[IZwack]

While you are under the vehicle to check the transfer case, check the pinion gear at the back axle too (side-to-side deflection). A "groaning" noise can sometimes be attributed to improper ring and pinion gear contact pattern - and a loose pinion yoke will pretty much guarantee this.

 

[boy01]

Ok I will check it next time I am under it. Thanks

 

[PopRichie77]

Also check the trans heat shield on passenger side it may be hitting the exhaust pipe, also the pipe heat shields as they come loose on one end and make noise, put up with mine for a couple years, finally found it was the trans heat shield.

 

[boy01]

The heat shield is fine and the ujoints and drive shaft are tight. It sound almost like the torque converter is shuttering before it shifts down.

 

[PopRichie77]

I assume you have the SOHC engine, the exhaust pipe will moan of vibrate in OD under heavy load just before it down shifts, mine has done this for years, I recently put in a rebuilt torque convert for another reason and the noise is still there, same place.