1999 chevy suburban sudden noisy gears?

[CaliRay]

Hey all, first off thanks for you help, it's much appreciated. Ok, so, yesterday I gunned it onto an on ramp and, I'm assuming, the transmission started whining. Here's the thing, the whining sounds only happening in 1st and 2nd gears. Once the thing goes into 3rd gear, it sounds normal. The whining sound does increase as the RPM increases, again, it's only the 1st and 2nd gear that makes the sound.

I'm a bit confused by all of this, the suburban is a 2WD with the Vortec 350 and it's got 130k miles on it. Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks
-Ray

 

[zora]

I'm assuming from your description of three gears this is an automatic? Did you check the transmission fluid level? When is the last time the transmission filter and fluid were changed?

 

[CaliRay]

I'm assuming from your description of three gears this is an automatic? Did you check the transmission fluid level? When is the last time the transmission filter and fluid were changed?

Yes, I failed to mention it's an automatic. It was my wifes vehicle, she bought it new in 98. So, probably never... It's probably never even had an oil change... I bought her a new car years ago, and we put the thing on jackstands. Recently took it off and started driving it again, and this happens.

 

[zora]

I guess that means you haven't checked the transmission fluid level, and over the 18 years you have it, never serviced the transmission.

 

[CaliRay]

Checked the fluid, looks full to the 2nd dot. No burning smell, smells fine, looks nice and pink.

 

[zora]

have you tried on a warm engine while in park raising the engine speed to about 2,500 rpm to see if you hear the sound? If you do hear it, the sound is not transmission related.

 

[CaliRay]

Yeah, it only happens when the the car is in gear and it only happens in 1st and 2nd gear, I'm also noticing when I put it in park I hear a big clunk. I have a feeling this thing's on its last leg. And, no I'll have to give it a try when my inlaws get in today. It'll give me a reason to get out.

 

[CaliRay]

have you tried on a warm engine while in park raising the engine speed to about 2,500 rpm to see if you hear the sound? If you do hear it, the sound is not transmission related.

Tried this, but it only happens when the car is in drive, again, it only happens in 1st and 2nd gear. I'm afraid this big hunk of junk is gonna explode at any minute

 

[zora]

at this point, over the internet, there is not much else I can recommend other than take it to a shop to be checked.

 

[CaliRay]

at this point, over the internet, there is not much else I can recommend other than take it to a shop to be checked.

Ok thanks, I think I'll just got to junkyards and buy a wrecked LQ1/4 with a transmission and a friggin wiring harness and be done with it. My wife will never let me dump this car unfortunately, so I might as well make the best of it.

Thanks again Zora for all your help, have a good one.
-Frank