When your kids whine, it can be irritating. However, they can tell you what the problem is. When it comes to your car making whining noises, isolating the issue is different. Whining noises are distracting especially when driving. The good news is you can isolate the problem and have it fixed.
Want to know how long your transmission will last if you fail to fix the issue?
Read on.
How Long Will a Whining Transmission Last?
A well-maintained car will not make any funny sounds or noises as you drive. When the transmission makes noises, it’s a sign of a severe problem that requires the immediate attention of a professional mechanic.
If your car makes whining noises when you accelerate or shift into reverse, the problem could be the transmission fluid. If you shift into reverse and the whine gets even louder, then the problem could be a clogged filter.
Low transmission fluid level can make your transmission make a constant whining noise as you drive. Additionally, it could be due to worn transmission gears or a failing torque converter.
As you already know, the torque converter is what connects the engine power sources to the load. So, if it fails, it could lead to transmission fluid degradation, overheating or other damage to the transmission.
So, how long does a whining transmission last? Well, a whining transmission can last a few days to a few months. However, the exact number of days it will last depends on the extent of the damage.
What Causes a Transmission to Start Whining?
There are different causes for a transmission to produce whining noises as you drive.
Low Fluid Level
Low fluid level can make the gears grind. When this happens, you’ll hear a whining noise. So, if you hear a whining noise, start by checking the fluid level.
To do so, turn off the engine and make sure the car is on level ground. Then locate the dipstick and make sure it’s inserted all the way into the tube before withdrawing it. If the fluid level is low, we recommend adding more transmission fluid.
Worn Gears
As you drive, the gears in your transmission will wear down and become less effective. This will cause the gears to make a whining or grinding noise when in use. What you need to know is that worn gears can cause your transmission to slip or not shift properly.
The whining noise may get louder when you accelerate your car. This is usually caused by worn gears.
Besides worn gears, your transmission will whine because of a worn transmission oil pump. As you probably know, the transmission oil pump is responsible for pumping fluid through the transmission. If the pump is worn out and not working properly, then the gears will not be well-lubricated. As such, they will start to make noise.
Slipping Clutch
Besides worn gear, a slipping clutch will also cause a whining noise. When the clutch slips, it means it’s not gripping the gears tightly. As a result, the gears will grind and make a whining noise. Besides the grinding noise, a slipping clutch can make your car lurch or jerk as you shift gears.
So, if you notice your transmission is not shifting smoothly or slipping, then have a professional mechanic check your car. Worn gears and pumps can eventually lead to the complete failure of the transmission if the parts are not replaced in a timely manner.
Failing Torque Converter
The torque converter works by transferring power from the engine to the transmission. If the torque converter is failing, then it will cause the transmission to slip and other issues as you shift gears. In addition, the failing converter will also cause a whining noise.
If you identify the failing torque converter as the issue, have a professional mechanic check your car. If not, a failing torque converter will lead to the complete failure of the transmission.
Can a Whining Transmission Be Fixed?
To stop the whining noise, you can quickly analyse the issue by listening to the sounds produced by the engine. If your car generates noise when driving, especially when shifting gears, then there is something wrong.
To rule out the engine as the problem, gently race the engine with your car in neutral. When doing so, listen carefully to the uneven noises produced by the engine as you accelerate. Most engine-related noises are usually associated with the transmission.
If there is enough transmission fluid and it looks normal, then the reason why your transmission could be making whining noises is because of a clogged filter. When the transmission filter is clogged with debris or dirt, it could cause a whining noise.
To stop the whining noise, remove the transmission pan and clean it out. Besides cleaning out the pad, check the gaskets to make sure everything is okay.
In some cases, the whining noise may not actually be coming from the transmission. It could be a result of the power steering fluid being low. This will cause engine parts to rub together.
The engine parts will probably make a whining noise when you turn the wheel. So, it’s important to check if the steering belt is loose or damaged. If this is the problem, simply replace to tighten the steering belt.
If the belt is intact, the problem could be a fluid leak. To stop the whining noise, check whether any fluid is leaking out. If it is, have the problem solved and make sure to top up the fluid. Don’t forget to check the steering rack as well to see if it needs repairing or replacing.
If you had your car for a while, then it’s probably not purring like a kitten when idling. However, there is a difference between ordinary engine noise and whining. If you hear whining noises when your car is idling, the problem is you’re low on oil. This could be as a result of an oil leak. Alternatively, the valves could be stuck and only need adjusting.
Final Thoughts
When you hear whining noise, take your car to a professional mechanic especially if you cannot isolate the source. Many whining noises can be solved by simply replacing or tightening belts or replacing fluid. For most of these issues, you can do them yourself but we always recommend a professional mechanic.
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