I have a 95 maxima with a 5 speed and 103,000 miles. Lately the transmission has been making a low pitch, gravelly growling noise when I step on or off the gas pedal, unless I am very gentle. The trans used to make a high pitched whine sometimes, but not so much any more. I'm afraid the new noise may be from worn bearings in the transmission. Anyone have any ideas, and what are my options? I can live with the noise, but I don't want to be stranded. Thank you.

 

I would start by doing a basic check of the tranny oil. Make sure there's enough in there. Also, does your tranny get warm, or warmer than usual?? Feel the areas around you gearshift after you have been driving for a while, like the hump below and forward of your center console. If it does feel warm, that's another symptom that your tranny oil may be low, possible due to a leak. Fix the leak and replenish the fluid.

DW

 

When do you hear it? In first? I had that problem like a month ago, my car in first made a slight growling grinding noise. It was the main bearings inside the tranny, it cost me $960+tax @ Nissan. I was pretty surprised, as my car only had 64k on it then. But anyways your problem sounds alot like mine...I'm sure they will hold up for a little while but be careful you don't want them to go out, then you will really screw up the tranny......oh and if you get the bearings done, get a new clutch, I got a new clutch for $187 cause the tranny was already taken apart.

 

I did change the trans fluid with synthetic and it still makes the noise.

 

I can hear the growl in first and second gears, and maybe a little in third. What kind of clutch did you get and what would you recommend? Thanks

 

It sounds like your bearings are probably a lot more worn than mine if you can hear it in 3 gears. I guess you could buy any clutch and have it put in cheap regardless of what kind, but I just got a Nissan clutch kit. I like it alot. It consiststed of a flywheel, throwout bearing, and clutch. I've driven Maxima's with aftermarket clutches and honestly couldn't tell a difference between those and the Nissan one. Also the Nissan one is warranted for a year.

 

I agree with other posters. You have worn bearings inside the transmission. Don't be tempted to "live with the noise", as the problem will only get worse, and consequently more expensive to remedy.

The idea of replacing the clutch while the tranny is out of the car is a good one.

Your options are ...
- ignore the problem
- repair the tranny
- replace the tranny with a used, or rebuilt, or new unit

 

That's because it was a Centerforce peice of ****