'95 legacy transmission noise

[excalibur5]

Just bought a '95 legacy L, with an Automatic Tranny, and AWD. When I first test drove it, the AWD was not working at all. The PO took it to a tranny shop and had the duty clutch solenoid replaced with a new one, and replaced a leaky pinion seal while they were at it. They topped off the tranny fluid, and after checking, it appears about 1 quart overfull at the moment.

 

The problem: When it is cold, and the car is cold (15-20 degrees, and for the first 5 minutes of driving) there is a whirring noise coming from right under the shifter, especially when the AWD is having to work a little more on snow. The AWD is now working perfectly.

 

I know I need to drain off the extra tranny fluid, and plan on doing so tonight, but any ideas where the noise is coming from?

 

FYI 107K total on the car, and no torque bind.

[Legacy777]

How are you checking the trans fluid? The engine needs to be running when you check it.

 

The trans needs to be up to normal operating temp and car parked on level surface.

 

With the engine still running, slowly cycle the gears from park to L and then back to park.

 

Leave the engine running, and then check the transmission fluid level.

[excalibur5]

Thanks, but yes, I know how to check the fluid.

 

It was fully warmed up (just driven), on a level surface, and I had run through the gears to make sure all passages were full, and yes, it was idling in park.

[Legacy777]

I'd drain off the excess fluid. However I don't know if that is causing the noise. It may be something loose undeneath, possibly a heat shield. If you can get underneath with the car on ramps, you could try tapping things with a hammer.

 

Other than....if it's in the transmission, not sure what to say other than take it back to the repair shop.

[excalibur5]

Well, looks like I figured out the problem. Seems the tranny is allowing the fluid to drain back out of the pump when it sits for a while, causing it to act like it is sucking air for the first couple minutes after startup (particularly when cold). When the weather gets warmer, I'll try a fluid flush, and change the transmission filter during that time, hopefully it'll help.

 

FYI it sounds just like a Power Steering pump low on fluid for the first 30 seconds of runtime when it is first started in the morning. It goes away quickly.

 

Anyone see this problem before? Recommendations?

[wtdash]

I've read on here that flushing a high(er) mileage AT is risky; better to just Drain/Refill/Drive repeat 3X.

 

Also, the tranny fluid level is very sensitive; I've also read on the USMB that it takes just a Pint (not a quart) to go from Low>>Full on the dipstick.

 

And it happened to me on a '95 with <120K miles. It had a bit of torque bind and was slow to engage when shifted to R or D. I had it FLUSHED and lost reverse. Had to have it rebuilt.

 

GL,

Td

[excalibur5]

I probably used the wrong terminology, I have no intentions of a "flush" per se. I will drain out the ATF in the pan by removing the drain plug, then remove the pan to change the filter, reassemble and refill. (my understanding is that this can be caused by a old or partially clogged filter - when the oil is cold and thick, it does not pump up as quickly as it should, and the pump makes noise.)

 

I know what you mean. Sometimes upsetting the balance can throw a AT out of whack really quick..

[Legacy777]

I've heard of this issue on the 1st gen legacies. There's a check valve that keeps the fluid from draining out of the torque converter. Over time that wears out and the fluid drains out when the car sits for a while.

 

I don't know however where exactly that check valve is located.