transmission issues

[XFOXRACING12X]

I have a 2013 sonic Hatchback 1.4 T manual with 62K on it. Roughly 6 months ago i started noticing a whine. Its entirely speed related between 25-60 mph. Faster than that and road noise drowns it out. Turning, changing gears, or braking has no effect on the noise. killing the engine also has no effect. I went to the dealer and they said they heard it but could find nothing wrong and gave it back with saying " if it gets louder bring it back" they said they checked the wheel bearings and used a stethoscope to try to locate the noise but were unsuccessful. Furthermore, now the noise is louder and i've noticed there sounds like a bearing comeapart in the transaxle case. Has anyone else had this same issue? And was a transaxle bearing the culprit?

 

[Natesriv]

no, but there's MANY reports and a few posts of a whine, but it's gear related. I get it in 4th gear, sounds like a bad speaker wire whine...

In neutral, coasting, noise is still there?

I DO plan on changing my OEM tranny fluid with something more robust soon though hoping that'll silence my whine... I hear that the OEM fluid isn't topped off fully and "crap" in quality....

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

It started out as a high pitch, very faint whine, similar to a turbo but now its plain as day a gear or bearing whine. It's unrelated to any gear, or neutral for that matter, speed and speed alone. I think I've narrowed it down to either a wheel bearing(but they feel smooth by hand) or a transaxle bearing.

 

[Natesriv]

side? front/back?

 

[Jarrow]

It started out as a high pitch, very faint whine, similar to a turbo but now its plain as day a gear or bearing whine. It's unrelated to any gear, or neutral for that matter, speed and speed alone. I think I've narrowed it down to either a wheel bearing(but they feel smooth by hand) or a transaxle bearing.

I had the same noise. I took it to the dealer last Friday and I'm getting a new transmission.

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

front center is as best i can tell

 

[Natesriv]

the front transaxle is the same as the "cv joint" I believe...

I don't know how easy it would be to change the bearing on the engine side of that assembly..........

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

Yeah it is. Basically the center of the two cv shafts. I have a service appointment next week, so i think i will have them lift it while i'm there and point out the noise to them. last time i have no idea how a whine raised no concern. Hopefully this time it will be fixed proper.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Yeah it is. Basically the center of the two cv shafts. I have a service appointment next week, so i think i will have them lift it while i'm there and point out the noise to them. last time i have no idea how a whine raised no concern. Hopefully this time it will be fixed proper.

Please keep us updated on your dealership visit next week, XFOXRACING12X. We're very sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. As you may know, we're only a private message away if additional assistance is needed.

Jasmine
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

thanks! and will do.

 

[Dragonick]

I'm having this same issue. Makes the noise at 25mph+, can have the car in neutral and turned off and it still makes the whine as long as the car is rolling. Coming from the front, sounds like in the center or right hand side.

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

That's exactly how mine started out. And now 2 months later you can hear it at any speed +25. And there is something loose in the the transaxle now. Try jacking up one side and spin the wheel by hand and see if you hear anything in the transaxle casing.

i get my loaner today so i should know something in the next few weeks. i'll update this once hear of the culprit.

 

[Natesriv]

I'm wanting to (and will this spring) change my tranny oil to some well known aftermarket brand and I'll make sure it's TOPPED OFF!...I've read here it may not be "full enough".... but not 100% on that.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

I'm having this same issue. Makes the noise at 25mph+, can have the car in neutral and turned off and it still makes the whine as long as the car is rolling. Coming from the front, sounds like in the center or right hand side.

Hey Dragonick,

I?m sorry to hear that you are experiencing concerns with your Sonic. Have you had this concern diagnosed your local certified Chevrolet dealership? If not, I can definitely assist with that. Please send a private message with your full contact information, VIN, current mileage and the name of your preferred dealership and I would be glad to help!

Cecil J.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

That's exactly how mine started out. And now 2 months later you can hear it at any speed +25. And there is something loose in the the transaxle now. Try jacking up one side and spin the wheel by hand and see if you hear anything in the transaxle casing.

i get my loaner today so i should know something in the next few weeks. i'll update this once hear of the culprit.

We're sorry to hear you?ve been experiencing this in your Sonic, XFOXRACING12X. If you would like an additional layer between yourself and your dealer please do not hesitate to reach out to our team via private message. Please be sure to include your VIN, current mileage, full contact information and dealership for documentation purposes.

Helen
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

Got a call today and they are replacing the tranny. The person i spoke with didn't know what the issue was, but i'll be sure i speak with a tech about it when i pick it up. Good news is, it's under warranty.

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

Got a new transmission under warranty. The issue was a bearing failure in the transaxle.

 

[Papasonic]

Got a new transmission under warranty. The issue was a bearing failure in the transaxle.

There have been way too many transmission bearing failures. Time for a Chevrolet/GM "Special Coverage Program" for the future transmission failures for customers that are soon to run out of powertrain warranty, and have fewer accumulated miles than average; similar to the water pump special coverage.
It would be very disappointing to have to stand the replacement cost of a transmission just out of warranty; knowing that there have been numerous premature failures reported.

 

[XFOXRACING12X]

There have been way too many transmission bearing failures. Time for a Chevrolet/GM "Special Coverage Program" for the future transmission failures for customers that are soon to run out of powertrain warranty, and have fewer accumulated miles than average; similar to the water pump special coverage.
It would be very disappointing to have to stand the replacement cost of a transmission just out of warranty; knowing that there have been numerous premature failures reported.

That would be nice, because at this rate, i'll need another tranny by 130K

 

[warbirdfan]

2012 Sedan LT2, automatic, 1.8L
154,560 miles

Transmission just went South on me - looking at $3500 to repair. Been complaining about it's "erratic" behavior since day one. Lodged complaint to GM... waiting to see what they might do to ease the pain.