6 Speed trans whine and replacement MASTER thread

[wy2sl0]

I honestly think they are going to ignore it, play it off as something normal.

It is subtle, but irritating and definitely not within spec. Definitely sounds like a bad bearing, and it is way worse with cold starts.

Just dropped it off and they are going to drive it tomorrow morning. What are my options if they don't fix anything? I have 3 months/5000km bumper to bumper and they could just ride me out and make me pay when it breaks months from now. I am so stressed out this is ridiculous.

 

[wy2sl0]

Just want to update. My car has been gone a week sitting outside the dealership waiting for some transmission tech to come see it.

Diagnosis: bearing noise at all speeds in all gears.
Treatment: New transmission ordered.

Did you guys change your fluid over to synchromesh right after getting a new tranny? Do you think this would help alleviate any problems in the future?

 

[tiffersn84]

Yeah, problem is wheel bearing you would think this noise would change with turns and all. it doesn't its just an annoying whine that seems to start in
2nd gear all the way into 6th. Also someone posted a video awhile back in another thread of the noise. its hard to hear in a video but you can and his and my noise were the same, his issue was transmission related also.

But i plan to drop it off after my Silverado gets out of the shop, this dealer informed me before they dont do loaners so i need atleast one car.

A dealer that doesn't do loaners on a warranty repair is a bullsh*t dealer!!
Usually they will make you pay for one if it's not a covered repair but they put me in something quick when it was found to be this specific issue.

More than likely it's the same trans issue that we've all had. They took my car in, gave me a loaner thru enterprise and told me it would take a couple weeks. Well, apparently when you're driving around on their dime they put you in the front of the repair line because my car was back in my hands before a full 5 business days was out. Brand new trans but I'm still worrying that if it was a problem before, who's to say it won't happen again with this one.....

 

[mja]

Just found this thread, no idea how I've missed it for so long. At work, so I've only read the first couple pages, so I apologize if I'm missing something here...

My first trans was replaced at around 20k miles, awesome difference. Now the 2nd one is doing the same whiny thing now at 44k miles. It's not a "slight whine", either- it's a full on rough metallic whine in 5th/6th only. No complaints with dealership other than the tech/ GM interaction (not the tech's fault) and being told to "drive it till it gets a bit worse". Really? Just enjoy the nasty high-pitched whine from 45 up in 5th or 6th, over a known issue with a known repair procedure? Ya, that's what I bought a new car for... Sorry, sounding as whiny as the M32, just not as rumbly to go with it!

Anyway, Have any of these transmissions actually self-destructed, or are they all being caught before shedding metal internally and reaching spontaneous mechanical stoppage? I drive home late at night, have an issue with the possibility of tennis-shoe transport in the dark...

-mike

My 2nd gear went out, and drove it like that for about 3-4 months. Trans didnt blow up and I was actually pretty confident that it wouldn't after that length of time. I've had other manual trans blow for much less than a stripped gear or burned up synchro.

 

[J T]

A dealer that doesn't do loaners on a warranty repair is a bullsh*t dealer!!
Usually they will make you pay for one if it's not a covered repair but they put me in something quick when it was found to be this specific issue.

The dealer I take my car to has repair loaners no matter what.

 

[CDub002]

Has anyone needed a second transmission replaced? Anyone with over 120K miles still going strong?

 

[Jarrow]

Just keeping the thread going. My 2013 RS went into the dealer last Friday because of the whine and I'm getting a new transmission at 43K miles. The loaner is 2016 Malibu and I feel like I'm driving my fathers car

 

[jrogers13]

transmission replacement 2012 1.4T 6M

My transmission was just replaced. The whining noise I had varied with the speed of the car and did not matter which gear, or neutral, that it was in, or if the clutch was in or out, or engine rpm. I could hear it at low speed and it got louder as speed increased. Also got louder over about 2 months before I brought it in (with 48,000 miles). The dealer said it was the tranny, gave me a loaner and had it back to me in three days. Just put in a new one, couldn't tell me what caused the noise. Still under warranty for the $3200 job! The dealer treated me great but it does disturb me that the car has this serious issue. If te second one is going to go I hope it's before the powertrain warranty runs out!

 

[Papasonic]

When I first started viewing some of these posts regarding transmission noise and probable bearing failure; I suspected that the cause could be due to the overdrive ratios in the non RS six speed. That transmission has overdrive ratios in 4th, 5th,and 6th gear. My theory was that owners were operating their vehicles in 6th gear, possibly wide open throttle, when a lower ratio should be selected, causing undue stress on the bearings and shaft that support the overdrive gears. Adding power with a tune would only accelerate the wear. The transmission should be capable of handling the engine torque regardless of the gear ratio selected; but maybe not.

After noticing owners with RS models are also experiencing similar problems, which have gear ratios that are less steep in top gear, my theory doesn't seem as relevant.

Still,I never operate my 6 speed manual LTZ in a gear that it won't readily accelerate in. This by design places less torque demand to the overdrive portion of the transmission. It's too easy to just select top gear, and apply full throttle, thinking this will provide good fuel economy. This practice places extreme loading on transmission internals. It is better to allow the engine to rev with less load, and not to lug the engine by selecting the improper gear ratio for the road conditions.

 

[Fry]

About a week ago, my 2012 1.4L 6MT Sonic started this whining sound. It's not very loud yet. My dad couldn't hear it over the road noise and wind, but I can tell its there. It is noticeable starting around 45 mph, and increases with speed. Between 60 and 70 mph is when you can hear it most often.

I'm debating on when to take it into the dealer. I have a break week in school in a month, so it'd be easy to schedule then. Is there any more harm in waiting to take it in a bit longer? I'm also concerned that the tech won't be able to hear it as well as me, so waiting may make the whining more noticeable.

Also, are there any ways of checking to see that this is the transmission and not some wheel bearing or such?

 

[Natesriv]

About a week ago, my 2012 1.4L 6MT Sonic started this whining sound. It's not very loud yet. My dad couldn't hear it over the road noise and wind, but I can tell its there. It is noticeable starting around 45 mph, and increases with speed. Between 60 and 70 mph is when you can hear it most often.

I'm debating on when to take it into the dealer. I have a break week in school in a month, so it'd be easy to schedule then. Is there any more harm in waiting to take it in a bit longer? I'm also concerned that the tech won't be able to hear it as well as me, so waiting may make the whining more noticeable.

Also, are there any ways of checking to see that this is the transmission and not some wheel bearing or such?

Do you have a hatch?

 

[KyleRally789]

Well this thread makes me sad...

I have this bearing whine in 3rd and 4th gear, with the shifter moving an inch or so under load. unfortunately I do not have a warranty, as its at 126k miles. Anyone have an idea how much a new MZ4 would run me?

 

[Natesriv]

there's a difference between whine and failure. I've had a 4th gear whine for a long time, no issues...

I do plan to have the fluid changed and replaced with a better than OEM product at some point though, and have it topped off.

That might help some issues here perhaps...

 

[KyleRally789]

Yeah I figure I'll be able to run it for awhile, probably leading up and through the first rally or two, but it is something I'll likely need to replace if I'm going to be loading that transmission through 150 miles of racetime.

I also just dont like my shifter knob moving with acceleration, I was hoping I could fix that with urethane bushings though.

 

[Natesriv]

the shifter bushings tighten it some, but I'm not sure they help in accel. That might be more an engine mount thing (i'm thinking of getting the lower mount myself)

 

[Fry]

Do you have a hatch?

Sorry for the delayed response, but yes, I have a hatch.

That seems so random. Why do you ask?

Also, I postponed my appointment for now until I have some days scheduled off at work. I did have a mechanic look at it, though. He said the noise was definitely the transmission, but he thought it was a normal sound and suspected the dealer wouldn't do much about it. I almost thought he wouldn't hear it because the warm weather has made it less noticeable.

 

[wingnut]

Add me to the list.

As stated in the title. Mine has a new tranny at 43,000miles, but it has whining for a while. My independent mechanic was absolutely certain it was the tranny when I took it in to be inspected. I have a month and a half left on my 5 year powertrain warranty. Props to my mechanic.

On a further positive note, Lawrence chevy was very accommodating about replacing it. I even got to drive a new cruze hatchback for a day. They replaced it very quickly. Didn't like the cruze.

 

[CharlieSierra]

2012 Sonic, 6 Speed Manual Transmission Whine

I purchased a 2012 Chevy Sonic, 1.4L Turbo, with a 6 speed manual transmission in March 2012.

In 2016 I began to hear a whining/hissing noise from the front end of the car while driving at 40 mph and above, regardless of what gear the car is in, with the clutch pedal in or out, and even while coasting in neutral. The noise seems more pronounced at cooler outdoor temperatures.

I took the car to two different Chevy dealerships, in November 2016 (@ 37,291 mi) and in December 2016 (@ 37,863 mi). Both dealerships drove the car but were "unable to duplicate the concern". In October 2017 (@ 43,485 mi), while at the dealership to replace a defective water pump, I had them check for the source of the noise yet again. This time they noted, "transmission is making making noise, would need to tear down to further pinpoint failure, need further diagnosis".

Although the car was within the drive-train warranty period the first two times I brought the car to the dealerships, it was outside the warranty period the third time, when they isolated the noise to the transmission. The dealership stated I could contact "Chevrolet Customer Assistance" to possibly get help covering the cost of a repair.

The "Senior Adviser" from customer assistance informed me that my request for repair coverage was denied, because the car was currently outside the warranty period and because the dealerships were unable to confirm the noise during my first two appointments (although he acknowledged the car was within the warranty period during that time frame). The rationale for denying repair coverage does not make sense, because on all three occasions I brought the car to Chevy to address the exact same noise issue.

Note that this car has not been modified. It has been driven less than 8000 miles per year for mostly highway commuting. I am experienced at driving a manual transmission, having previously owned cars with manual transmissions.

As you might imagine, I am dissatisfied with GM over this whole experience. Not sure what to do...just keep driving it the way it is and see if it gets worse?

 

[skurtov]

I purchased a 2012 Chevy Sonic, 1.4L Turbo, with a 6 speed manual transmission in March 2012.

In 2016 I began to hear a whining/hissing noise from the front end of the car while driving at 40 mph and above, regardless of what gear the car is in, with the clutch pedal in or out, and even while coasting in neutral. The noise seems more pronounced at cooler outdoor temperatures.

I took the car to two different Chevy dealerships, in November 2016 (@ 37,291 mi) and in December 2016 (@ 37,863 mi). Both dealerships drove the car but were "unable to duplicate the concern". In October 2017 (@ 43,485 mi), while at the dealership to replace a defective water pump, I had them check for the source of the noise yet again. This time they noted, "transmission is making making noise, would need to tear down to further pinpoint failure, need further diagnosis".

Although the car was within the drive-train warranty period the first two times I brought the car to the dealerships, it was outside the warranty period the third time, when they isolated the noise to the transmission. The dealership stated I could contact "Chevrolet Customer Assistance" to possibly get help covering the cost of a repair.

The "Senior Adviser" from customer assistance informed me that my request for repair coverage was denied, because the car was currently outside the warranty period and because the dealerships were unable to confirm the noise during my first two appointments (although he acknowledged the car was within the warranty period during that time frame). The rationale for denying repair coverage does not make sense, because on all three occasions I brought the car to Chevy to address the exact same noise issue.

Note that this car has not been modified. It has been driven less than 8000 miles per year for mostly highway commuting. I am experienced at driving a manual transmission, having previously owned cars with manual transmissions.

As you might imagine, I am dissatisfied with GM over this whole experience. Not sure what to do...just keep driving it the way it is and see if it gets worse?

Well, you might have a bad throwout bearing. If it is an entirely failed transmission you can do as I have. I bought a transmission from a local yard. It has to be 2013.5+, that's when they revised the oil channels. I DIY'd the replacement. It's actually pretty easy, time consuming, but easy. A local shop shouldn't quote you too bad. I'd also suggest getting a new clutch since you're down there anyways. Total cost of the whole swap, new clutch, etc, should run you around $1000. Its a big chunk of change but worth it if you keep it in the long run.

 

[skurtov]

Well this thread makes me sad...

I have this bearing whine in 3rd and 4th gear, with the shifter moving an inch or so under load. unfortunately I do not have a warranty, as its at 126k miles. Anyone have an idea how much a new MZ4 would run me?

I paid $300 for mine, it was pulled from a 2014 with 53k miles, don't buy anything older than 2013, they revised the transmission that year. If to be safe, stick to 2014+. The national junkyards have a database they all buy into. Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market