'08 Highlander gear whine

beck · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 08:31 AM

Some food for thought guys and or gals.

If you experience a whine in the drive train at about 38-40 MPH, it could be the transmission.
I've been to two dealers trying to figure this one out.

Dealer #1 changed the transfer case and it still made noise.

Dealer #2 said it was the transmission and that seemed to take care of it.

Some noise at 38-40 is normal, according to the dealers.

Just thought you'd like to know.

O8HLLTD · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beck

Dealer #2 said it was the transmission and that seemed to take care of it.

What took care of it? Is the noise still there or did dealer #2 do something to make it better?

beck · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 06:03 AM

Yes, the new transmission took care of it.

O8HLLTD · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 10:49 AM

Is it just a whine or is there any vibration?

Mr Wayne · #5 (**permalink**) 07-16-2008, 11:18 AM

No, there's no vibration at all. It's just a whining noise, kind of like a rear-wheel drive car with a bad rear end, except that it's coming from up front, under the dash. As others have said, it starts at 38 MPH, becomes less noticeable when other sounds (wind noise, road/tire noise) come into play, and then returns in the 70 MPH range. I'm copying all the posts here dealing with this to bring to my dealership. I just really hate to have it taken apart, but it sounds like that's what it will take. If there's anything from Toyota I'll post it here.

beck · #6 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beck

Yes, the new transmission took care of it.

As I said, the new transmission took care of it. One note though, the Service Writer said I'd be getting new transmission, but in the end, I got a re manufactured one as that's all that was available from Toyota. It was re manufactured by Toyota.

I hope more of you make an effort to bring this to light at your dealerships so Toyota is aware of it. This really mars a nice car.

Check this out:
Whining Noise - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation Whining Noise - Toyota Forums :: Toyota Nation

beck · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2008, 08:37 AM

Some FYI, the whine is back.

After a long Interstate trip and then driving at in town speeds (38-40 MPH), it's back just like before.
It only makes noise after being thoroughly warmed up.

Back to the dealer.

beck · #8 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 02:11 PM

Just to bring you all up to date.
First, you all are going to thing I'm off my rocker. But, that said, after driving it a while, it seems that this 'whine' is kind of inconsistent and intermittent. To my way of thinking, a real gear whine is consistent, but I'm no technician. Maybe it's something else??
I'm almost thinking it's just the nature of the beast. It's just interesting that some report it and some don't or don't hear it.

I'm almost getting used to it, but never the less, I did go back to the dealer.
His remark was, 'You have a new transmission (not really, it factory remanufactured) and a new transfer case, we can't do anything more for you, it was our best guess. You have a 5 year 60000 mile warranty'.
Gee thanks.

I did explain how it doesn't happen all the time now and you can imagine the look I got. They said bring it in when it makes the noise.
Also note, when I got the car back from the repair, it made only the very slightest whine and the repair order did say, some noise was noted and "Nothing wrong with vehicle".

So, it could be very well normal, but annoying.

For those interested, follow the thread at toyotanation.com that I referred to above.

Another note. Toyota is or has used two different transmissions in the Highlander. One with a dipstick and one without.
I wonder if there is any correlation. Mine has a dipstick.
Just a thought.

lucky777 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-27-2008, 09:19 PM

Mine also has a dipstick and doesn't whine

beck · #10 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 07:15 AM

OK, so much for that theory

I'm beginning to think it might be something else. I can't have TWO bad transmissions.
It's beginning not to bother me so much anymore. It is better. Maybe I'm asking too much of a $30,000 car.
I'll let you know if anything changes.
Thanks.

lucky777 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 07:51 AM

How do you know for sure that transmission makes whining noise? There are other potential noise sources. Center differential, CV joints, even steering electrical assist motor, and many more.

beck · #12 (**permalink**) 08-28-2008, 12:38 PM

I don't. Remember I said it was the dealer's best guess.
The transfer case was replaced too, by a different dealer.
All claimed to have listened underneath.

As you state, and as I am learning, there are a lot of things going on under there.