LX470 Transmission whine (1 Viewer)

[LanghorneLX]

Hi All,

New to the forum, tried to search this one, didn't see anything similar. If I was wrong please kindly point me in the right direction.

My 06 LX470 with 158K miles has a whine that has been getting worse over the last 5K miles. It was barely noticeable with the radio on, but it's time to do something about it. It is independent (not related) to engine RPM at all. It is independent of left or right hand turning. It is not as noticeable during acceleration. It is VERY noticeable during deceleration. It feels like a drag on the car. It goes away when I shift into neutral. I recently greased all the U joints and slip joints, but as I said, it goes away when I shift into N. I am fairly confident I have it narrowed down to the transmission. I am not aware of any tranny service.

I have not even checked my transmission fluid nor do I know how to. Any write ups on that process? There are no leaks in the driveway or anything like that. I am handy and am open to flushing the tranny fluid and the torque converter from the tranny cooling lines at the radiator. I have heard how this can cause issues as the abrasives from worn clutches in the fluid are needed to shift properly and at this point (150K+ miles) it might do more harm than good to flush. But I think this is only going to get worse. I also purchased a tranny filter a long time ago, but never installed.

Ideas or write ups you guys can point me towards? Thank you very much!

Patrick

 

[thebeedeegee]

It still shifts fine?

If so that makes me think it's maybe the front diff or transfer case. Maybe change that fluid and see what the old looks like

The year you have i dont think has a dip stick for the tranny. Its 'sealed "and there is a procedure to check it. I've done it on my FJ cruiser and its not too hard. It involves jumpers on 2 OBD ports and getting the transmission up to temp, then pulling a over flow plug to see if the fluid is at the right level

 

[LanghorneLX]

It still shifts fine?

If so that makes me think it's maybe the front diff or transfer case. Maybe change that fluid and see what the old looks like

The year you have i dont think has a dip stick for the tranny. Its 'sealed "and there is a procedure to check it. I've done it on my FJ cruiser and its not too hard. It involves jumpers on 2 OBD ports and getting the transmission up to temp, then pulling a over flow plug to see if the fluid is at the right level

Still shifts ok. I don't understand how it can be the front diff or xfer case if when I shift into N the noise goes away. Thanks for the heads up on the checking fluid process. I will look into that. Also I do agree that I should check the fluid anyway - good call there.

 

[ramangain]

Search for a tranny fluid change writeup by 2001LC. Great pics and thorough instructions.

 

[100d ua]

X10 - Change the fluids and or filter.

 

[thebeedeegee]

Still shifts ok. I don't understand how it can be the front diff or xfer case if when I shift into N the noise goes away. Thanks for the heads up on the checking fluid process. I will look into that. Also I do agree that I should check the fluid anyway - good call there.

Probably isn't the diffs, just made me think that first since it seems more diff failure are reported (at least on here ) than transmission problems but I dunno

Hope you figure it out.

 

[CorporalClegg]

A reason it can a differential is if it's only occurring during decel and you shift into neutral you've removed the load from the engine brake and are coasting. That and it's most likely to be from the symptoms you've described. I advise you pay a trustworthy shop to inspect it. Or safely place the vehicle on stands and run the truck in the air with the abs fuse removed and get under and listen with a stethoscope or something a like.

 

[JOSHD]

Normal. It is the song of my people.

 

[2020 Rocks]

Hi All,

New to the forum, tried to search this one, didn't see anything similar. If I was wrong please kindly point me in the right direction.

My 06 LX470 with 158K miles has a whine that has been getting worse over the last 5K miles. It was barely noticeable with the radio on, but it's time to do something about it. It is independent (not related) to engine RPM at all. It is independent of left or right hand turning. It is not as noticeable during acceleration. It is VERY noticeable during deceleration. It feels like a drag on the car. It goes away when I shift into neutral. I recently greased all the U joints and slip joints, but as I said, it goes away when I shift into N. I am fairly confident I have it narrowed down to the transmission. I am not aware of any tranny service.

I have not even checked my transmission fluid nor do I know how to. Any write ups on that process? There are no leaks in the driveway or anything like that. I am handy and am open to flushing the tranny fluid and the torque converter from the tranny cooling lines at the radiator. I have heard how this can cause issues as the abrasives from worn clutches in the fluid are needed to shift properly and at this point (150K+ miles) it might do more harm than good to flush. But I think this is only going to get worse. I also purchased a tranny filter a long time ago, but never installed.

Ideas or write ups you guys can point me towards? Thank you very much!

Patrick

Does the sound go away after the vehicle warms up? Your zip is PA, when it's cold out the gear oil in the transfer case is very thick, mine whines a bit, but once warm the whiing goes away. Don't really notice the sound in warmer weather.

 

[Dagtwo]

How about when turning off O/D?

 

[Tanner H]

If you're looking for any options, I remember someone replacing their sludged up tranny filter with a new one and their noise went away. I think the theory behind that was the clogged filter restricted fluid going through the filter and various channels of the transmission. I would do this before a trans fluid exchange, and this will also allow you to drain and fill your pan to make sure its at the appropriate level.

 

[LanghorneLX]

Does the sound go away after the vehicle warms up? Your zip is PA, when it's cold out the gear oil in the transfer case is very thick, mine whines a bit, but once warm the whiing goes away. Don't really notice the sound in warmer weather.

No still there when warm. It was there in the summer too, but it's getting worse. Good idea on the temp tho!

 

[LanghorneLX]

If you're looking for any options, I remember someone replacing their sludged up tranny filter with a new one and their noise went away. I think the theory behind that was the clogged filter restricted fluid going through the filter and various channels of the transmission. I would do this before a trans fluid exchange, and this will also allow you to drain and fill your pan to make sure its at the appropriate level.

I will probably take your advice and do the filter. I hear the drain backflushes the filter, but I can handle a pan drop and I love the truck and don't want to do this again. haha.

 

[LanghorneLX]

How about when turning off O/D?

Good call. Will try today!

 

[LanghorneLX]

Normal. It is the song of my people.

Oh damn. I hate that answer, but you are probably right. It is getting worse tho. Any it bothers me. I try to get all the noises and stuff and do all my maint. I take pride in a symptom free fleet of cars and motorcycles when the budget permits.

 

[Dagtwo]

Good call. Will try today!

Report back. I don't like how my O/D sounds compared to with it off. I'm interested to see what your result is

 

[LanghorneLX]

A reason it can a differential is if it's only occurring during decel and you shift into neutral you've removed the load from the engine brake and are coasting. That and it's most likely to be from the symptoms you've described. I advise you pay a trustworthy shop to inspect it. Or safely place the vehicle on stands and run the truck in the air with the abs fuse removed and get under and listen with a stethoscope or something a like.

Oh yea! I see what you mean. There is a still load on teh other side of the gears. HMMM. What is the

Report back. I don't like how my O/D sounds compared to with it off. I'm interested to see what your result is

it barely made a difference with the OD off. I would say maybe 5% less with it off? But basically no change. I am going to check front diff, xfer case, and tranny fluid.

 

[fjcruising]

Normal. It is the song of my people.

Sounds like a bummer but I believe I am familiar with this sound and slight vibration (enough to make the water in the water bottle shake). My 00’ does not do this (with the 4 speed), but our old 13’ GX460 did (under 100k miles). Our 09’ LX has the same coast whine and vibration (at 150k miles) like what you describe. I wonder if it is a product of the newer transmitions.

keep us posted on the findings and good luck with the fluid/filter exchange

 

[LanghorneLX]

Sounds like a bummer but I believe I am familiar with this sound and slight vibration (enough to make the water in the water bottle shake). My 00’ does not do this (with the 4 speed), but our old 13’ GX460 did (under 100k miles). Our 09’ LX has the same coast whine and vibration (at 150k miles) like what you describe. I wonder if it is a product of the newer transmitions.

keep us posted on the findings and good luck with the fluid/filter exchange

Ok thanks buddy. Appreciate the thoughts and support. I will post my learnings for sure.

 

[martinezstephen]

I had the same issue, 2000 LX470. The bearings in the front diff had to be replaced. Got it diagnosed & repaired by LandCruiser Specialist in Austin. Ran smooth after it was done. Hope this helps, cheers!