88 Camry Transmission noise

On Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:19:03 -0700 (PDT), johngdole RemoveThis @hotmail.com
wrote:

>How's the fluid LEVEL? 20 years on the original fluild is probably too
>long. Usually the first thing on tranny trouble is to drain/refill ATF
>and maybe change out the strainer as well.

Will need to re-check with engine running. Was checking wrong
before. It's time to do the refill and pan clean thing anyway
apparently.

>
>Did the noise disappear as you shift into N, or after you shift out of
>N?

I think it did when shifting to N.

Here's an update, I think the trany's fine. cross fingers.

When checking under the hood I noticed my engine belt was frayed and
figured I'd have to get that fixed immediately too. Checking the
Haynes book, I cracked up when I saw how large (width) the engine
(crank/alternator/air cond) belt was supposed to be. It's down to a
fraction of the size it's supposed to be. Hanging by a thread.

I suspect the belt fragmented while driving today and caused the
bouncing gravel sound as it disintegrated. Part was probably hung up
on something and got free when I shifted into Neutral. Just a
guess, but seems to fit the facts. Will know tomorrow.

>
>It could simply be a loose part somewhere hitting something (like in
>the torque converter housing). Or it could be a tranny hard-part
>problem. You can negotiate a deal with a shop with a dyno and ask the
>mechanic to help identify the source.

Good idea. Hope it doesn't come to that.

Thanks.
 >> Stay informed about: 88 Camry Transmission noise 

On Jul 24, 11:20 pm, john d... DeleteThis @nospam.com wrote:
> Will need to re-check with engine running.  Was checking wrong
> before.  It's time to do the refill and pan clean thing anyway
> apparently.

Yeah, you can get a Fram ATF kit with cork-rubber gasket for about
$20. Works well.


> Here's an update, I think the trany's fine. cross fingers.
>
> When checking under the hood I noticed my engine belt was frayed and
> figured I'd have to get that fixed immediately too.  Checking the
> Haynes book, I cracked up when I saw how large (width) the engine
> (crank/alternator/air cond) belt was supposed to be. It's down to a
> fraction of the size it's supposed to be.  Hanging by a thread.  

Yes, does sound like something loose. Glad it's likely just the worn
belt. (Have you changed the timing belt too?)
 >> Stay informed about: 88 Camry Transmission noise 

On Jul 24, 9:50 pm, john d....DeleteThis@nospam.com wrote:
> I've got an 88 Camry 4 cyl with an automatic trany. About 30k miles.
> Bought from an old lady who only drove to church etc.
>
> Was driving today doing about 45 and experienced that noise you get
> when you drive over loose gravel and it kicks up under the car. This
> continued as I was driving along the road.  When it didn't go away,
> even when I pulled up to a stop light, I suspected something
> mechanical.  It sounded like it was coming from under my shifter.  I
> moved the shifter into neutral and then back into drive and the
> noise went away and hasn't come back.  I haven't been over about
> 25mph since then though.  
>
> Anyone experienced this ?
>
> Should I get an inspection or do more test driving ?
>
> No leaks I can see, fluid looks clean and red.
>
> Haven't replaced the fluid, sounds like 30k is time.

Change all oils and dont forget the Transfer Case.
 >> Stay informed about: 88 Camry Transmission noise 

On Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:35:43 -0700 (PDT), johngdole DeleteThis @hotmail.com
wrote:

>Yes, does sound like something loose. Glad it's likely just the worn
>belt. (Have you changed the timing belt too?)

Sounds like a good idea. Looks like we reached the time limit on the
alternator/AC belt. I suppose the timing belt will be next. Was
hoping to get some milage out of the original water pump.

No further noises, transmission is working fine. Apparently it was
the belt going to hell.
 >> Stay informed about: 88 Camry Transmission noise 

That's why manufacturers say to change tires every 6 years. Rubber
deteriorates and of course blown tires are much more dangerous than an
old belt, and that's why they mention it in newer owners' manuals. But
20 year! That's isn't so bad



On Jul 26, 9:18 pm, john d....DeleteThis@nospam.com wrote:
> Sounds like a good idea. Looks like we reached the time limit on the
> alternator/AC belt.  I suppose the timing belt will be next. Was
> hoping to get some milage out of the original water pump.
>
> No further noises, transmission is working fine. Apparently it was
> the belt going to hell.
 >> Stay informed about: 88 Camry Transmission noise