Automatic Transmission Noises: Causes & Solutions

Hello,

I have a Golf IV TDI with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For some time now, I've been experiencing a temporary squealing noise (quite high-pitched) that seems to be coming from the transmission.
The noise disappears immediately when I stop shaking the steering wheel while driving, but it usually reappears later, often the next day.

Does anyone know what this could be?

Sure, here's the translation:

'Thank you in advance!!!'

Gerhard.

Hi,

I'd like to question that about the transmission; if anything, it should react more to changes in throttle position.

I suspect it's either the brakes or the wheel bearings. Do you hear grinding noises when turning?

Tell me more about your car - mileage? age? when were the brakes last changed?

Have you checked the wheel bearing play?

Hello,

Thank you for the response!

Okay, here's the information about my car: Year of manufacture: 1998, mileage: 83,000 km. I'm not sure when the brakes were last changed, as I've only owned the car for two months. However, there's still about 11 mm of brake pad material left, and the rotors don't have any deep grooves and show only minimal wear, maybe 1-2 mm.
Wheel bearings are usually quiet as well. The only noise I'm still experiencing is a strong rumbling sound from the axles, which is probably the well-known issue with the stabilizer bar bearings on the G4.

What's also surprising is that the noise, when it's present, doesn't go away even when I put the car in neutral (N). It only disappears by rocking the car. What's annoying is that it's sporadic, so I can't reproduce it when the car is on a lift. And while driving, it's very difficult to listen closely to the car.

Hi,

So, does it also happen when the engine is idling / the vehicle is stationary? If so, that's not good.

You could try draining the transmission fluid and see if there are any metal shavings in it. Just be careful not to spill any and make sure to refill it afterward.

If there are wood shavings, then get rid of the bowl.

Is it speed-dependent?
Does it feel like it's working normally?
Have you ever read the error codes?


Or you can do it according to the principle of ABC problems.

An 'A-problem' means: The car is completely broken and beyond repair, so you should just give up on it.
A 'C' problem means: It doesn't matter - nobody cares anyway.

A B-problem: Ignore it until it turns out to be either an A or a C.

Hi,

Okay, so the squealing noise is also present when the car is idling, but only when the vehicle is in motion. If the car is stationary, the noise stops immediately.

I've already read the error codes using VAG-Com, and it didn't show any errors. The question is, can the automatic transmission actually report any errors?

It switches smoothly, silently, and without any lag!

Draining the oil is actually a good idea, but my repair manual says that you need some equipment for it, like measuring devices and pumps. Is it possible to do that yourself?

Since it seems to be caused by sharp turns, I thought it might be near the drive shaft flanges in the transmission, because I'm applying forces in the direction of the drive shafts. Is there anything I can lubricate there?

'Why don't you put the box on the lift at the gas station? Raise it a few centimeters, and then you can drive as fast as you want right there on the spot.'

'Alternatively, a few sturdy jack stands would do the trick, but a proper lift would be safer...'

CU Gremlin.

I've had that idea before too. My approach was to use a pit and some jack stands. However, since it only happens sporadically, about once every 100 kilometers, and I only heard the squeaking for about 15 minutes during one instance, I haven't been able to pinpoint the source.
Unfortunately, it's currently too cold for me to spend my evenings in the garage .

Perhaps I'll take it to the workshop for a check-up sometime. However, I expect they will come up with something to charge a proper price .

Okay,

'The squealing noise has reappeared, and I can now say with a relatively high degree of certainty that it's not coming from the transmission, but from the rear axle (brakes).'

This is how one can be mistaken .

Are the brake pads stuck in the guides for the rear disc brake(s)?

Thank you for the quick response!

Remove the blocks, clean the guides, apply copper paste, insert the blocks, and that's it?

not necessarily

If the glass already has a chipped or damaged edge, it might be difficult to permanently eliminate the squeaking sound.

The paste doesn't necessarily have to provide a permanent solution either.

Don't forget to sand down the edges slightly.

CU Gremlin.

hello,

I will postpone breaking it down to a less cold/snowy time, but thank you very much for the tips! Especially the idea of slightly pre-waxing the bindings sounds really clever !


Thank you!!!