Tranny Sound

[Paulalmighty]

I have 2000 XLS explorer 2WD 4.0 OHv. When the vehicle is in 1st 2nd or R I have a sound that is like when 2 plastic gears are barely rubbing together. kind of like a abrasive hum. It doesn't seem to happen when I first start up after sitting over night but after I've driven just a short while and stop then start again it begins. I jacked the vehicle up and while laying under neath with the trans in 1st it's quite pronounced and sounds like it's coming from right in the middle of the pan area. This started only happening a few times until recently now it seems to be this way every time I drive it. In 3rd or OD you do not hear or feel anything. I would appreciate anyone with the know how giving me some insight on this. Whether it may be something tht needs tightening or if this is a major problem. I figure tomorrow I will pull the pan and see if I can tell if there is any thing obvious. Also, Which yrans do I most likely have with this model I described and what other vehicles could I cannibalize a used one from if I had to. I thank you all for your help. Paul

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! You have the 5R55E 5 speed transmission. Check the fluid for debris. It's possible that there might be metal shavings from damaged hard parts. Sometimes sounds could travel, and make it sound like it's coming from one area when it's not. Check your exhaust for loose parts, and leaks.

 

[Paulalmighty]

Thanks for the welcome and the reply. I ascertained that it was 5r55e after I wrote the post. I should have mentioned that my rig is just under 100k and that I know it's the trans because I can have this thing coasting in 1st and shift to neutral and the sound stops. It's definatly the trans. I pulled the pan this morning to see if there might be any obvious thing loose and there is a fine silt of metal around the magnet and some even suspended in the fluid. Pretty much toast as far as I can figure. I guess I'll just button her up and runn her until I can trade her in and hope she lasts. Thanks again for the response. Paul

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the torque of the valve body bolts with an IN/LB torque wrench before you close it up. See if the valve body gaskets look like they are flaking apart.

 

[Paulalmighty]

Haven't checked the torque yet (have to get the right wrench) but did observe the gaskets. Yes, the edges that are accessable are brittle and flake right off with little resistance. Could this be a cause of the symptoms I described? That being a leaking VB gasket. How difficult and what do you need to watch out for if replacing these gaskets? I'm sure there is a diary on that here somewhere but just looking for a quick insight. This trans really doesn't give any trouble other than that unnerving noise that it makes in low, second and reverse. I mean when it shifts into the higher gears which I assume are the intermidiate assembly it completely stops sound and the feel. Anyway thanks again.

 

[BrooklynBay]

They make bonded separator plates with gaskets. You would need an In/LB torque wrench to torque the bolts to the proper specifications. Read Glacier991's sticky called the 5R55E valve body rebuild diary. My sticky on band adjustments shows a picture of a 1/4" drive Harbor Freight torque wrench. It's an excellent deal.