Transmission Whine

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Hi All, This is my first post having only just purchased a Prado GXL 03 (manual 5 speed) with 37,000 klm's. There's been some very useful and interesting topics which I've enjoyed reading so I'm hoping someone can help me with this question.

First, some background. Prior to purchasing this vehicle I noticed some transmission noise travelling up the gear stick into the cabin. After inspection by a local Toyota service centre, it was found that a rubber boot located at the base of the gear stick which is used to stop entry of dust and water into the cabin had dislodged. After re-installing this part, I was given the all clear on the trans by the service manager by form of a report. So I bought it!

Over this past week I've noticed the slightest of whine through the gear change but it seems a little excessive in 5th (The trans is not under load and occurs more so at higher speeds). After revisiting the same service centre today I was told there was nothing to worry about, "its not the quietest or loudest" they've heard and that it's to be expected due to the nature of the vehicle.

Can anyone confirm or deny this? Your experience and opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Luc

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

03 model with 37k, thats some bloody low milage, ive got a 03 gx td 5 speed 88k and i have no whine in mine at all,i dont know if you have done it yet but the first thing that i would do would be to change the gearbox and transfer case oil and see if that makes any difference, use a good quality oil, but im assuming that toyota had done that for you, check to see if the water has any signs of oil ( milky colour oil), thats all you can really do without removing and pulling down the box. cheers samo

[MattWhite Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MattWhite]

I'll tell my story and make of it what you will.

I had a 2000 hilux before the Prado with the same motor as you and I now and at about 50000 kms it developed a whine in the gearbox. Quite loud and in every gear but 4th and even on the spot with about 1200rpm it whined. Took it in under warranty and had a input shaft and counter shaft replaced for free. (Very similar mechanically so I figure the story is related).
Now I have an 04 version of your car and as soon as I bought it (34000 on the clock) I listened to the gearbox because I knew if I heard anything it would go back for warranty. It had a slight whine in 5th like you explained more at a coast rather than accelerating. It's now done 64000 and honestly, the noise is just the same. I have towed a camper and done a fair bit if off-roading with guys from on here and yeah, it's still there but not too bad.
The Hilux was a definite bearing noise as in it was constant but the fact that the Prado is load related makes me think it's two gears with VERY SLIGHTLY different pitched teeth or something just whining.
Thats my story, haven't heard yours but sounds similar.
My advice would be unless it's under some extended warranty would be to just monitor it. Do all oils as they're due at 40k anyway but other than that you're not likely to save much money by doing it now rather than waiting till it gets worse if it's going to. Manuals generally get very bad before they'll leave you stranded.
Again, just my advice.
Matt

[Prado04 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Prado04]

I think that you will find as well that 5th gear is a straight cut gear so you always get a whine from it. But I don't know for sure if it is.

[waltec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close waltec]

Usually it's only reverse that would be straight cut, should be no need for 5th to be straight cut as the only advantage of straight cut is strength, so more likely 1st than 5th. I would think 5th would be the last gear you'd want SC, as they don't just whine a little!!

Matt

[Steve & Sandra Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve & Sandra]

Turning the radio up can cancel the whine coming from the gearbox normally, except the whine from the passenger seat never stops.

Cheers

Steve

[MattWhite Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MattWhite]

Too true Steve!

Re- straight cut gears, no way! Not since the 1920's anyway! :lol:

[Steve & Sandra Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve & Sandra]

Straight cut gears would be very noisy i imagine. I have seen straight cut gears in power take off`s and they are noisy.

[rally1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rally1]

Hi Luc
I have a 04 td 5 speed mine done 82000klm . My 5th gear is a bit
noisy in fact its got low speed whine in the cluster gears .Its no worse
than it was 40000 klms ago just monitor it . I change al my gear oils
evey 20000klms and and somtimes ever 10000 klm in the box depending
on how much towing i have been doing only because i free oil and i can
do it myself.

[Guest Close Guest]

Thanks for the posts, it seems transmission noise is somewhat common but not so common to this new owner. After further investigation, I can safely say that I'm comfortable with what I'm hearing and except the 5th gear harmonics at 80klms/h. I find driving through to 90k's in fourth then shifting to 5th works better for me.
Thanks again
Luc