Transmission noises

[Green97TJ]

Ok, just to start, Ive got a 97 TJ, 4cyl. automatic.

Starting a couple months ago Ive got this strange noise coming from somewhere in the transmission. Anytime the things cold (especially on start up) I get a buzzing type noise when I first put the jeep in gear. It used to go away after just a few seconds. Now I can hear it even while moving, especially when the transmission shifts. It continues to do this till everything gets warmed up real good.

Any ideas anybody?

Nathan

 

[mud4feet]

Is it still shifting fine, after warmup? What kinda fluid you runnin' in there? That would be my main concerns if I was running an auto. If it still shifts fine, it's not likely anything serious (yet), but we all know those noises are not good! How many miles on her?

 

[Green97TJ]

105k miles. Pennzoil auto transmission fluid. Seems to shift good, even when its cold and making the noise... but definately good when its warm.

An auto mechanics teacher at the local high school said (without hearing it, just my description) that it sounded like the torque convertor was on its way out

Nathan

 

[LBR]

Check

 

[LBR]

Check to see if the ring gear teeth may be barely clipping a part of the transmission or a thin metal shroud. Your "buzzing" reference sounds to me like the type of sound the mulit-toothed ring gear/flywheel could be making if it was contacting something that it shouldn't. Should be easy upon starting up and sliding underneath. LBR

 

[Green97TJ]

Ill check, but I really dont think thats what it is. Just doesnt really sound like that kind of noise (its just so hard to put noises into words). And why would it go away after warmed up if thats what it was? I dunno, its worth checking out sometime though, so thank you.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

My work van is doing the same thing. Started out the same way as yours, only on startup, but now is doing it all the time. The mechanic (if you can call him that) at work said it's the torque converter. Of course, he also said it could be the transmission fluid pump.........which I suppose is right next to the muffler bearing? Never heard of that one, but I'm not a mechanic, either.

 

[Green97TJ]

Yea, Ive helped change the fluid pump on a Ford C6 before. Its not what most people picture when they think of a pump. But anyway, is your work van a dodge by chance? Dad says he thinks his 01 Dodge 1500 does it every once in a while.

 

[corn]

It sounds like maybe your torque converter

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Yea, Ive helped change the fluid pump on a Ford C6 before. Its not what most people picture when they think of a pump. But anyway, is your work van a dodge by chance? Dad says he thinks his 01 Dodge 1500 does it every once in a while.

Nope. GMC 3/4 ton. Yesterday I swapped out into another van (Chevy 3/4 with a 5.7 Vortec) so the "mechanics" at work could fix my regular van. I got 3 miles from the shop and the transmission in the newer van blew up!!!! Man, what a day.