Whining Noise in All Gears

Some customers may comment about a whining noise in all gears that is related to the vehicle speed (pitch increases as vehicle speed increases, regardless of engine rpm or transaxle gear). The whining noise is usually most noticeable while under light acceleration in 3rd and/or 4th gear, at vehicle speeds between 40-80 km/h (25-50 mph). This whining noise will typically not develop before 4827 km (3000 miles of vehicle operation.

This condition may be caused by a damaged output shaft bearing outer race. As the rollers of the output shaft bearing assembly ride over the damaged portion of the race, a whining noise is generated.

Refer to the following procedures to verify and repair the condition.

1. Verify that the whining noise is present, and it is related to vehicle speed (pitch increases as vehicle speed increases, regardless of engine rpm or transaxle gear).

•	If noise is present, proceed to next step.

•	If noise is not a whining noise related to vehicle speed, refer to diagnosis in the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual."

2. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle. (Refer to "Automatic Transaxle Removal" in the "Automatic Transaxle Out-of Vehicle Service" section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.")
3. Remove the output shaft bearing assembly from the converter housing. (Refer to "Converter Housing Disassembly" in the Automatic Transaxle Out-of Vehicle Service" section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.")
4. Using a pair of channel locks, remove a roller bearing from the output shaft bearing assembly.



5. Rotate the cage and roller bearings in the output shaft bearing assembly and examine the inner diameter of the outer race for spalling and/or pitting.

Important: Only a small portion of the inner diameter of the outer race may be spalled and/or pitted; therefore, it is important to examine the entire circumference of the inner diameter of the outer race.

6. If spalling or pitting of the inner diameter of the outer race is observed.

6.1.	Replace the output shaft bearing assembly with a new output shaft bearing assembly, and install into the converter housing. (Refer to "Converter Housing Assembly" in the "Automatic Transaxle Out-of Vehicle Service" section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.")

6.2.	Replace the output shaft. (Refer to "Output Shaft Disassembly" and "Output Shaft Assembly" in the Automatic Transaxle Out-of Vehicle Service" section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.")

6.3.	Re-assemble the transaxle and install transaxle. (Refer to "Automatic Transaxle Installation" in the "Automatic Transaxle Out-of-Vehicle Service" section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.")

7. If the entire surface of the inner diameter of the outer race appears uniformly finished/shiny (no spalling and/or pitting observed), replace the output shaft bearing assembly with a new output shaft bearing assembly, and install into the converter housing. (Refer to "Converter Housing Assembly" in the "Automatic Transaxle Out-of Vehicle Service" section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual.")

To identify the source of the noise, inspect the following components that are impacted by the output shaft speed, and replace components as required. (Refer to the appropriate section of the "1997 Automatic Transaxle Service Manual" for removal or installation procedures for any of the following components.)

•	Differential and associated bearing(s)

•	Output shaft

•	2nd drive gear and 2nd driven gear and associated bearing(s)

•	3rd drive gear and 3rd driven gear and associated bearing(s)

•	4th drive gear and 4th driven gear and associated bearing(s)

•	1st drive gear and 1st driven gear and associated bearing(s)

•	Reverse drive gear and reverse driven gear and associated bearing(s)

•	Reverse idler gear and associated bearing(s) O-rings

•	Output shaft case bearing

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for K7146 (Output Shaft Assembly), or if another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.