Hey all,

2000 Durango Sport 4.7, v8, 4x4, 115k miles. 2nd owner. 7 years.

Recently I'm hearing a mild groaning noise that sounds like the automatic tranny is winding down at deceleration and also laboring on acceleration. The sound stops right before a full stop. It makes the sound only in gear and only while moving. (all gear positions make the noise, 1st,2nd,4wHi,4wLow,OD)

If I get off the gas at any speed it is more evident as the tranny winds down. The sound doesn't sound like anything exaust related.

It sounds similar to tire noise you would get with a pick up truck with big tires on it, except it isn't tire noise. I've had the tires changed since the noise started.

There is no noise in park, neutral or in gear(with brake on) regardless of rpms. I can not reproduce the noise when the vehicle is stopped.

I don't think the sound coming from the rearend. It is probably coming from the motor/tranny area. It is hard to be sure because I have to be driving it.

The tranny fluid is fine. I've never had a tranny service.

The sound is not all that loud but it wasn't there for the first 6.5 years I have owned this vehicle.

I'm assuming it is tranny noise. I can troubleshoot most engine noises.

I'm going to have the tranny serviced to rule out the obvious this week. Though I doubt that will have any effect.

Any ideas?

 

Get the transfer case fluid changed too because there is a pump in the transfer case that assists in lubing the gears while the rear driveshaft is moving. A rearend noise is also possible considering that it will transfer the noise throughout the drivetrain. Considering that you have never serviced the transmission, that is a good place to start.

 

I changed the transfer case fluid just now. The fluid wasn't clean but it wasn't black either. No change in noise level after a 5 minute drive.

 

I am out of suggestions. You will have to wait till the other members can chime in and voice what they would do. Did you change out your transmission fluid and filters? That trans. has 2 internal filters in it.

 

wait for master tech, he is the local trans specialist but noises are very hard to diagnose over the internet because we cannot hear them for ourself, if you could make a video of it where the audio comes through clear and post it for us, it could be very helpful

 

when were the diffs last serviced?

IndyDurango

 

Change out the trans fluid and filters (you need to do your trans maintenance if you expect there not to be transmission problems).....Just sayin.