Cruiser Noise Issue?

My beloved 2001 PT Cruiser automatic has started to make some noise. During
the first 10 miles or so, every once in a while the front end gives off a
transmission gear type high frequency noise. Most noticeable when picking up
speed, and when accelerating out of a turn. The Fluid was changed recently
with +4 (dealer used an additive too).

Is this normal at about 40,000 miles or should I have it checked out?

Richard.

 

Additive?? Additive??? .....errr what for? From what I heard, these
additives do nothing more for the transmission then the plain chrysler ATF.
Well, the one thing they do is "additive" a few bucks to the dealer's
pockets. How much did it cost you?

SRG

 

Cost: Nothing. When I read the invoice I told the dealer I wanted the fluid
with unauthorized additive fluished and a new filter and +4 installed. They
then took the entire charge for the work off the bill instead.

Richard.

 

Richard wrote:
Richard.

And they left the snake oil in?

 

wheel bearings?

 

About 5,000 miles ago I had the driver's side front bearing changed. At
first I thought it was just the noise of worn in Goodyear's; but nope, it
was the bearing. A different type of sound than this gear type noise.

Richard.

 

A couple of things I would check out. You may have done so, but it
isn't in the post.

1. Check the level of fluid in the transmission. The seal/gasket could
be leaking fluid out, or as has happened to me in the past, the mechanic
didn't check the fluid while it was warm and the engine was running and
I was almost 1.5 quarts low. As the fluid warms up and expands, it may
help alleviate the noise, making the noise in a curve and accelerating
would make me think the fluid is low and the pump is not getting the
full amount.

2. Check the power steering pump and make sure the fluid is fine there.

3. Check the differential fluid.

4. If all else fails, take it back to the dealer and tell them to fix
the problem. It obviously had to be something they did or didn't do. I
have had mechanics forget to put the oil filler cap on after an oil
change and blow the oil ot, forget to bleed brakes after a brake job,
etc. And these were certified mechanics. People forget things
occasionally.

Mark