2005 Ford Expedition Whining noise while in gear

JRICHARDSON

MEMBER
2005 FORD EXPEDITION
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
123,000 MILES

Hello,

I hear a whining noise coming from under the floor board but only when in gear. The whine accerlerates as the car accelerates but seems to adjust with rpms as the gears change. When in park everything sounds fine. I've noticed no slipping between gears.
The mileage is mostly highway and with no towing being done.
Have had reccomendations from replacing the pump to replacing the torque converter and replacing the transmission. I hate to pay for a new transmission if the problem is from a supporting part.
What's the best thing to do?

Thanks,

Justin

5 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

I would change the fluid and especially the filter in the transmission. If the filter is plugged, it will make a whinning noise. Plus, you can tell a lot about whats going on inside the trans by the color of the fluid and what is laying in the bottom of the pan. Hope this helps.

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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 2:20 PM

JRICHARDSON

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks. Had the fluid changed about a month ago at the dealers, I'm guessing they would have changed the filter at that time? They didn't mention any debris but I didn't ask either.
Would I be able to tell something by doing this again though it was done a short time ago?

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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 2:42 PM

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

No, I wouldn't be in a hurry to drop the pan again. I'm sure if they found anything suspicious they would have mentioned it. Was the noise present when Ford changed the fluid? You mentioned there was no noise running in park. Holding the brake and shifting into "drive", does the noise start. Also, is the noise more pronounced when the trans is cold than when warm? If so, I would suspect the pressure relief valve in the pump or the valve body.

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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 5:02 PM

JRICHARDSON

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The noise was present at the time Ford changed fluid. There is no noise while in neutral, only when put in gear. Forward or reverse it's the same sound.
Haven't noticed a difference from cold to warm but will listen for it on next drive.
Would the valve make noise only while in gear or anytime the engine is running?

Thanks

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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 7:45 PM

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Justin, the trans would only make noise in any gear when it is under load, not moving, just in gear. When it is neutral or park it is in bypass, hence the fluid is pumping around in the tranny and not doing any work. What I would recomend is take it to a tranny shop and have them do a pressure test on it. They should be able to tell if the problem is in the pump itself, or in the valve body. A good transmission man should be able to pin point the problem just by listening to it. GHope this helpsand let me know what you find out.