Many noises that appear to come form the transaxle may actually originate with other sources such as tires, road surfaces, wheel bearings, or engine and exhaust system.

Identify the cause of any noise before attempting to repair the clutch, the transaxle, or their related linkages.

To verify suspected transaxle noises,

1. Select a smooth, level asphalt road to reduce tire and resonant body noise.
2. Drive the vehicle far enough to warm up all the lubricants thoroughly.
3. Record the speed and the gear range of the transaxle when the noise occurs.
4. Check for noises with the vehicle stopped, but with the engine running.

Caution: Refer to Road Test Caution in the Preface section.

5. Determine if the noise occurs while the vehicle operates in.

•	Drive -- Under a light acceleration or a heavy pull.

•	Float -- Maintaining a constant speed with a light throttle on a level road.

•	Coast -- With the transaxle in gear and the throttle partly or fully closed.

•	All of the above.

Differential Side bearing Noise

Differential side bearing noise and wheel bearing noise can be confused easily. Since side bearings are pre-loaded, a differential side bearing noise should not diminish much when the differential/transaxle is run with the wheels off the ground.

Wheel Bearing Noise

Wheel bearings produce a rough growl or grating sound that will continue when the vehicle is coasting and the transaxle is in NEUTRAL. Since wheel bearings are not pre-loaded, a wheel bearing noise should diminish considerably when the wheels are off the ground.