CV joint or Tranny? Help !!! (also posted in 5k forum)

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Jun 22, 2001 | 01:45 PM

5000Lover

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CV joint or Tranny? Help !!! (also posted in 5k forum)

I have an '85 5KS w/auto transmission. It just started having a problem that I'm having difficulty diagnosing. At any speed between 35 mph and 75 mph it makes a cyclic humming noise and there is a definite hinderance that coincides with the noise. (it feels like I'm barely touching the brake. On and off about twice per second.) The noise gets faster and louder with increased road speed, not with engine RPM. It also seems to be quieter when going around a steep LH curve. It occasionally "clunks" when hard down shifting, but not frequently. Could this be a CV joint, or do you think it's the final drive or transmission? Any help would be appreciated!!

Thanks,
John

Jun 22, 2001 | 11:38 PM

Evilclown

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I hate to be the one to break it to you....

...but it's most likely your trans. Bad CVs usually click or knock, I've never heard one hum. The 5k autos had lots of problems with the diffs - the exhaust downpipe is routed right next to the trans, and the heat shield doesn't really do the job, so the diff fluid sits there and cooks. There was a recall on them where the dealer would suck out the factory diff oil and replace it with synthetic, which would stand up to the heat better. Might be worth checking the dealer to see if this has been done to your car.