Droning noise consistent when driving up to 80klm

Tiny
TONY LAVIDIS
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 HOLDEN COMMODORE
  • 0.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 303,000 MILES
The car has a constant drone that's the is the same at all speeds up to 80klm. Then stops at 90klm and above. More so on an uphill and not so much on downhill.
Have had 3 mechanics look at it and have had the serpentine belt replaced as well as belt idler pulley bearing, tail shaft centre bearing, a front and rear tyre replaced and wheel alignment.
The noise is still droning and I don't know what else to do.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Tony
Saturday, June 19th, 2021 AT 8:31 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Is it possible to get a recording of the noise so that we can hear it and get on the same page with you?

Is the noise there as soon as you start to move or is there even sitting still? From the sound of it, this sounds like it has to be moving so what speed does the noise start?

Also, is there a vibration with it?

Here is a guide that will help with this type of noises:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/whirring-sound

Lastly, does the noise go away when you get on or off the throttle?

If the noise is the same no matter what you do and it starts at lower speeds and stays the same then I suspect the tires are the issue.

Below is a chart that will help you inspect the tires to make sure they don't have wear patterns in them.

Let us know what you find. Thanks

Thanks
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
TONY LAVIDIS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks. I've had tires changed and alignment with no difference. The noise has increased over the past few months so I've given it to a transition mechanic to see if there are issues with the auto transmission.
The sound is constant when driving from 20klm per hour till around 90 klm and is at the same rhythm with no change regardless of speed. At over 90 klm it diminished and is less obvious.
If it was mechanical or tires I'd say there would be a increase in rythmic noise but there isn't.
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Monday, June 21st, 2021 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I agree so it is most likely a converter or bearing inside the unit. Is it possible to get a recording of the noise?

The best way to try and figure out if it is internal to the transmission is to get the noise started and then push the transmission into neutral.

Does the noise continue? If it does then it is caused by something that is still spinning. This is most likely a drive shaft.

If it stops then it is something most likely internal to the unit.

Please let us know what happens with this. Thanks
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Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
TONY LAVIDIS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
After consulting a transmission mechanic, his response was that it's a noise vibration harshness probably coming from the drive line probably the tail shaft and differential bearings.
Can't guarantee it is but recommended replacement tail shaft.
That's an expensive job so before I go ahead, I'd appreciate your view point.
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Monday, June 28th, 2021 AT 4:57 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
If the noise were a bearing in the driveline like this it normally only makes the noise when it is loaded. So that means if it were in the rear end/pinion bearing then when you accelerate the noise would be there. However, if this is there all the time whether you are accelerating or decelerating then it is likely not one of these bearings.

Does the noise stop if you put it in neutral when it is doing it?
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 AT 7:08 PM
Tiny
TONY LAVIDIS
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Noise only happens when accelerating and doesn't vary with speed. Quite loud when cold and going uphill then when warmed up, diminishes but is still constant with no difference in speed.
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2021 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Okay. So I will change my opinion then to a pinion bearing/differential bearing as if it is only there on acceleration and at all speeds then that is when you are loading the rear end and the pinion is what takes this load. think about it when you accelerate that the engine and transmission are increasing in torque and loading the bushings and they will actually pivot or tilt a little and this is adding load to these bearings and they make noise.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-howling-noise

What I would do is listed in this guide above and check the rear end fluid for metal as the bearing material will be in the oil and that will be a sign that you are going to have to rebuild it.

If it were 4WD then you could just remove the rear drive shaft and drive it in 4WD but since it is not this is the only way to know.
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Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 AT 7:40 PM

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