Manual Transaxle Whine Noise in 3rd Gear Only Between 2500-4000 RPM

Customers may comment about an excessive whine noise or a "turbine-like" noise in 3rd gear only. The noise is present at about 2500 rpm and increases in pitch or sharpness as engine rpm reaches 4000 rpm.

Improperly machined gear 3rd drive gear.

Disassemble transaxle and replace 3rd drive gear assembly (P/N 21120332).

1. Verify that VIN is less than or equal to XZ284995.
2. Drive the vehicle to verify transaxle noise increases in pitch and/or produces a "turbine-like" noise that is prominent in 3rd gear between 2500-4000 rpm as described above.

•	If the whine noise is present in other gears besides 3rd gear, refer to the Diagnostics section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.

•	If the whine noise is present in 3rd gear only, continue with step 3.

3. Remove transaxle from vehicle. (Refer to "Transaxle Removal" procedure in the Out-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.)
4. Remove input and output shafts from transaxle. (Refer to "Transaxle Dissemble" procedure in the Out-vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.)
5. Disassemble input shaft. (Refer to "Input Shaft Disassembly" procedure in the Out-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.)
6. Remove 3rd drive gear assembly from input shaft.
7. Obtain replacement 3rd drive gear assembly (P/N 21120332) and install on input shaft.
8. Assemble input shaft. (Refer to "Input Shaft Assembly" procedure in the Out-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.)
9. Install input and output shafts in transaxle. (Refer to "Transaxle Assembly" procedures in the Out-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.)
10. Install transaxle into vehicle. (Refer to "Transaxle Installation" procedure in the Out-Vehicle Service section of the 98-99 Manual Transaxle Service Manual.)
11. Drive vehicle to verify that condition has been repaired.

21120332 - Gear Asm - 3rd drive

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System as follows: