Whining/Grinding Noise under acceleration: Power Steering?

[d_hoots]

I have started to hear this whining/grinding noise from the engine compartment. Seems to be directly behind the speedometer area. Only occurs when accelerating. Intensity is engine speed dependent. Cannot pinpoint the location due to the inability to recreate the sound while the car is stationary.

Sounds very similar to the sound that my Probe's power steering pump made when I had some air in the line.

This is on a '96. Anybody know where to start, or has anyone fixed this problem before? I am hoping its not a transmission noise, but could be. Seems to be noticeable only when accelerating from a stop or low speed roll.

 

[EXP1787]

Is it possible that this sound could be coming from the instrument cluster itself? I know that my speedometer cable needs to be greased, and it makes a bit of noise at lower speeds.

 

[99V8SHO]

Is it possible that this sound could be coming from the instrument cluster itself? I know that my speedometer cable needs to be greased, and it makes a bit of noise at lower speeds.

Gen3s do not have speedo cables.

 

[SHOZ123]

Tranny.

 

[d_hoots]

Thanks for the reply. Even if I did have a speedo cable, I am sure this is not that. After doing some more research on this forum, I am afraid its the first signs of a tranny problem.

Well... not the first signs... ever since I bought it a year and a half ago it has had times when it will over rev a bit before shifting into 3rd.

Hope I am wrong that the tranny is on the way out, but does anyone know of a good reliable source in the Central/West Chicago area?

Anything I can do to prevent or prolong the failure? I had the ATF flushed and a new filter installed soon after I bought it. I also added some Dr. Tranny Shudder Fixx ATF additive. However, about 6 months later I started seeing ATF on the ground, so took it back to the mechanic. He admitted that whoever on his staff that did the flush/filter change may have over torqued the bolts and pinched the gasket. He replaced the gasket, filter and did another flush for free. This seemed to lower the frequency of the over revving and harsh shifts, but they still existed. I may put more Dr. Tranny in it and hope for the best.

I guess I would like to know if I can take it somewhere that they can tell me it is definately a tranny problem. And if I have them fix it, will I typically see less cost than if I just let it go and get a rebuild. In other words, once I have these syptoms, is the tranny going to need a complete rebuild anyway, or can it be saved with less work?


Thanks!

 

[99V8SHO]

Chicago? Mid-West SHO. Mike Kopstain be the guys name.

 

[d_hoots]

I contacted Mike Kopstain and the shop he had contracted to use has went out of business, so he can't can't help me.

He suggested any local ATRA member shop. First of all, what does ATRA stand for and how can I find one?

Second, I would much rather take the tranny to someone with experience with Gen III SHO AX4N transmissions.

With that said, can anyone please recommend anyone in northern or central Illinois, Central to Southern Wisconsin, Northwestern Indiana, or possibly even Cincinnati (my in-laws live there).

My 1996 Probe that I drive to work just bit the dust, blew the seal betweeen the torque converter and the engine, so I am down to this SHO for transport and I am getting pretty scared of this whining noise.

By the way, it is intermittent while it is occuring. In other words, it only occurs when I am accelerating, until it shifts, then it will restart part way into 2nd gear before fading out. However, within those two episodes, the sound is constantly there, then not there (intermittent). The frequency is much slower than the wheel speed though.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Mr Anonymous]

The whining could very well be coming from your tranny pump. Just because a transmission shop is an ATRA shop doesn't automatically mean they are necessarily competent. It really just means that they've joined an association, mainly to benefit themselves.

I'd recommend going over to http://www.v8sho.com and signing up for their email list. Then send out a post requesting the names and phone numbers of transmission shops in your area that those members have personal experience with, especially with their V8 SHO.

Or, you could always mail-order a tranny from Doug Lewis at http://www.fordspecialists.com and find a local installer, but that would probably be the priciest option. FWIW, Kirk can do a genuine Ford reman tranny with their nationwide 3/36 warranty installed for about $2400, but you'd have to get the car to MA. Ford dealer would probably get you for about $3000.

 

[SHO#7]

I contacted Mike Kopstain and the shop he had contracted to use has went out of business, so he can't can't help me.

He suggested any local ATRA member shop. First of all, what does ATRA stand for and how can I find one?

Second, I would much rather take the tranny to someone with experience with Gen III SHO AX4N transmissions.

With that said, can anyone please recommend anyone in northern or central Illinois, Central to Southern Wisconsin, Northwestern Indiana, or possibly even Cincinnati (my in-laws live there).

My 1996 Probe that I drive to work just bit the dust, blew the seal betweeen the torque converter and the engine, so I am down to this SHO for transport and I am getting pretty scared of this whining noise.

By the way, it is intermittent while it is occuring. In other words, it only occurs when I am accelerating, until it shifts, then it will restart part way into 2nd gear before fading out. However, within those two episodes, the sound is constantly there, then not there (intermittent). The frequency is much slower than the wheel speed though.

Thanks for any help!

ATRA stands for Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association. I would not take it to any other type of shop. ( EXCEPT KIRK ) Look for some in your local phone book. And go look at the shop. Take a little tour if they will let you. I show people around my shop all the time. The get a kick from the fact that I have white floors and they are clean. That is the type of shop you need to go to.

And take your checkbook. 2000$ as a minimum is to be expected.

Good Luck, and if you need help. I am in Cincinnati.