Whining sound...transmission going out?

[UrsaMajor]

2010 non-PP...132,000 miles
For the past couple of months I've noticed a whining sound that mostly emanates from the right front, particularly in the 40-60 mph range. I initially thought it might be a bad wheel bearing or CV bearing, but it isn't a grinding sound and turning the steering wheel makes no difference. I took it to a local transmission shop today. Nothing showed up code-wise other than a stored cylinder 1 misfire. They noticed it mostly when in 5th to 6th gear. I had the trans fluid changed at the dealership at 100k.

Outside of a new transmission or tear down, what do you think might be a possible solution for this whining noise?

 

[SHOdded]

The PTU is also on the right front of the car. Check the PTU fluid first. This is rarely changed, as it is considered a "lifetime" fluid, but isn't really, not by a long shot. Hopefully there are no metal shavings in the fluid when you take it out (probably thick & very reluctant to come out). Then a few changes at short intervals would get the PTU running nicely. 75w140, go with Amsoil Severe Gear or similarly high-spec'd fluid as replacement.

Same for RDU fluid, just because it's way overdue.

 

[UrsaMajor]

Ok thanks, I'll look into this. I've read on some of the threads that not all dealers will even service this? Is it best to just call around to find one that does? Not sure I want to tackle this myself...especially in this heat! (Texas in August)

 

[SHOdded]

If your dealer doesn't/won't do this, you can start by looking up shops that do BG driveline service.
http://www.bgfindashop.com/locator/index.php
http://www.bgfindashop.com/bgservices/driveline.htm

Hopefully you can find someone real local to you ...

 

[UrsaMajor]

Update...service advisor talked me into letting the chief mechanic ride with me to hear what I am hearing/feeling. The service advisor had no clue that Taurus SHO's have a PTU and couldn't find anything on his computer telling him when fluid should be changed or even how much to charge for it. The chief mechanic is sure it's not the PTU based on the ride along, but will need the car for a day or two to pinpoint if the problem is in the engine or transmission. He also shined a lot into the engine bays and said one of my turbos is leaking oil. I can see this becoming a money pit rapidly. Thinking about starting to shop for a non-Ford product.

 

[SHOdded]

Hope they can find you a good, cheap fix! If no parts are found needing replacement, BG driveline services are relatively inexpensive at $200 or so for the PTU AND RDU.

You have 132,000 on the SHO, certainly there are going to be more problems than at 32,000. It's not a "Ford" issue IMHO, it's a vehicle aging issue. Bound to run up against it with any vehicle unfortunately And this is a high performance car to boot.

 

[UrsaMajor]

Hope they can find you a good, cheap fix! If no parts are found needing replacement, BG driveline services are relatively inexpensive at $200 or so for the PTU AND RDU.

You have 132,000 on the SHO, certainly there are going to be more problems than at 32,000. It's not a "Ford" issue IMHO, it's a vehicle aging issue. Bound to run up against it with any vehicle unfortunately And this is a high performance car to boot.

I know you're right. Just getting a little frustrated with the amount of time spent getting this figured out. Still better than a car payment I guess! I wish I could find someone local that knows SHOs inside and out. Thanks for your support SHOdded!

 

[SHOdded]

Sure thing! I know when I first came to own a SHO, I was already almost a decade late to the party. By that time, I was fortunate to have 2 specialists in my area who could take care of the SHO the right way. I actually think the Gen IV is easier to work with than the previous Gens, and so am disappointed that more dealerships & service shops aren't up to the mark.

Which dealer are you working with? Have you looked at their ratings on Yelp, Repairpal, etc.?

BTW, if there are Lincoln dealerships in your area, it's well worth looking into, because they tend to be more familiar with the EB engined cars, as they are quite prominently featured in the Lincoln lineup. Lincoln customer service (national phone lines) is also supposed to be A+.

 

[SHOnUup4]

When he looked in engine bay and noticed the oil, was this on the front turbo and from the top?

If so you may have a split pipe going to that front turbo, it will form an oil looking mess on it and create a whistling noise...happened to me

Rich

 

[UrsaMajor]

When he looked in engine bay and noticed the oil, was this on the front turbo and from the top?

If so you may have a split pipe going to that front turbo, it will form an oil looking mess on it and create a whistling noise...happened to me

Rich

Yes, as a matter of fact it was. How did you go about fixing yours?

 

[SHOnUup4]

Had to order the entire piece that attaches to CAI and runs to both turbos. It's 2 pieces, but you have to buy whole setup. Think it was just under $200.

It's easily accessed from underneath once you remove the lower (hot side) pipe going to the CAC (intercooler).

Mine was torn 50% around the lower part and still created a little sludge up top. Had to actually push on it pretty good to see the tear.

Rich

 

[UrsaMajor]

Had to order the entire piece that attaches to CAI and runs to both turbos. It's 2 pieces, but you have to buy whole setup. Think it was just under $200.

It's easily accessed from underneath once you remove the lower (hot side) pipe going to the CAC (intercooler).

Mine was torn 50% around the lower part and still created a little sludge up top. Had to actually push on it pretty good to see the tear.

Rich

Ok, I'll take a look at that this weekend.
Thanks!

 

[UrsaMajor]

***Update***
Got the PTU and rear diff fluid exchanged this morning at the stealership to the tune of $295. Still have the whining noise and vibration above 60 mph, although rolling resistance does seem to be less. Guess I'll be inspecting turbo plumbing this weekend.

 

[SHOnUup4]

***Update***
Got the PTU and rear diff fluid exchanged this morning at the stealership to the tune of $295. Still have the whining noise and vibration above 60 mph, although rolling resistance does seem to be less. Guess I'll be inspecting turbo plumbing this weekend.

2 things that need maintenance at least got done, bummer the sound is still present. You get new tires by chance?

Rich

 

[SHOnUup4]

The PTU is also on the right front of the car. Check the PTU fluid first. This is rarely changed, as it is considered a "lifetime" fluid, but isn't really, not by a long shot. Hopefully there are no metal shavings in the fluid when you take it out (probably thick & very reluctant to come out). Then a few changes at short intervals would get the PTU running nicely. 75w140, go with Amsoil Severe Gear or similarly high-spec'd fluid as replacement.

Same for RDU fluid, just because it's way overdue.

Just for reference...the PTU is about dead center...maybe slightly towards the right front (passenger side). But not very much at all if any.

Rich

 

[SHOdded]

Did the stealership show the old fluid to you, Ursa? Any signs of debris/contamination (I hope not!)? What's the history on transmission service? You said you had it at a trans shop, what did they think of it?

Hopefully the turbo piping will be the culprit.

 

[UrsaMajor]

No, they didn't show me the fluid. But I went to check on the tech's progress about 45 minutes in and he was struggling to figure out how to access the fill plug! I told him what I had learned from you guys and he did it! Unbelievable.

The trans shop did say it could be a worn clutch(es) from gears 4-6...I'm keeping that possibility as a last resort. That will be muy expensive obviously.

Tires are fairly new. Praying it's still something with the turbos.

 

[SHOdded]

There are products from Lucas and Lubegard et al that may help smooth things in the trans if it should come to that. I'd also drain & fill the old trans fluid 3x with a quality product like Amsoil right before the additives.

 

[SHOnUup4]

Did this "whine" present itself right after the new tires by chance? Were they a different brand you went to?

Rich

 

[stlmiked]

Any chance you figured this out? I'm having a similar road speed dependent intermittent whine. Wheel bearings feel ok. Almost the same spec car. 2010 113k miles, non pp. It is driving me batty.