GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step inspects for vibration causing a noise. If the vibration occurs at a certain road speed , or carrying a certain load, the driveline axle may not be correct, and possibly causing a vibration. The vibration may be resonating into the transmission causing a noise.

  2. This step inspects for the correct transmission fluid level. If the transmission fluid level is excessively low, damage may have occurred to the transmission components.

  3. This step inspects for transmission noise entering the driver compartment. If the shift boot or other cab components are not sealed properly the transmission may seem noisier due to the noise entering through an unsealed component.

  4. This step tests to determine if clutch components are making the noise. Depress the clutch pedal slowly and listen for the change in noise. If the noise changes while pressing the pedal, it may be a faulty clutch component. If the noise does not change until the clutch is completely disengaged, the transmission component is faulty.

Step

Action

Yes

No

DEFINITION: The transmission is making a noise. The different noises may be a whine or a growl from faulty bearings or gears. The noise may also be caused from a faulty component, causing a vibration noise.

If the transmission is equipped with an air shift control, refer to the transmission manufacturer repair manual for the correct diagnosis and repair.

1

Did you review the manual transmission symptom operations and perform the necessary inspections?

Go to Step 2

Go to Symptoms - Manual Transmission

2

Is the noise present at a certain road speed or with a certain load?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Inspect for the correct driveline angle. Refer to Driveline Angle Adjustment in Propeller Shaft.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 4

4

Is the noise present in all gears?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Is the noise present in just one gear?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the transmission fluid for the correct type and level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Is the fluid type and level correct?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Add transmission fluid. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect the shift boot for proper installation. Refer to Control Lever and/or Boot Replacement .

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect the driver compartment for areas where transmission noise may enter.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 10

10

Is the vehicle equipped with a power take off (PTO)?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 14

11

Remove the PTO, in order to confirm that the PTO is not causing the noise.

Is the noise still present?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

12

Inspect the countershaft gear for damage from the PTO.

Is the countershaft gear damaged?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 13

13

Reinstall the PTO and ensure it is properly shimmed. Refer to the PTO manufactures installation procedure.

Is the noise still present?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 19

14

Inspect for engine to transmission alignment.

Are there any loose mounting bolts?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Replace and tighten the mounting bolts.

Is the noise still present?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 19

16

With the engine operating, depress the clutch pedal.

Is the noise still present?

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

17

  1. Remove the clutch. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement in Clutch.
  2. Inspect the following components for being the cause of the noise.
  3. • The release bearing
    • The clutch brake, if equipped
    • The pilot bearing
    • The pressure plate
    • The clutch disc
    • The input shaft bearing
    • The engine crankshaft end play

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 18

18

  1. Remove the transmission. Refer to Transmission Replacement .
  2. Disassemble the transmission. Refer to the transmission manufacturer repair manual to determine if any of the transmission components are faulty.

Did you find and repair the condition?

Go to Step 19

--

19

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 1