I bought my 2011 Dodge Caliber used in 2014. Never had an ounce of trouble until early this year. The transmission has developed a loud whine. A whine I only hear while accelerating. I knew it was due for a clutch so I took it to a shop and asked them to research the noise before they did anything else to the car. I didn't want to spend the money on putting in a new clutch if I was just going to have to turn right back around and have a new transmission installed. It turns out a bearing in the transmission is going out and the cost of a new transmission with labor is going to run me around $5,000. That is as much if not more than the total worth of the car. Has anyone else on here had this problem? If so what did you do? I can't afford to pay that much to install a new transmission. I have read numerous other forums where several people have complained about the same issues. I also don't understand why Chrysler is using ATF+4 automatic transmission fluid vs a 75-90 gear oil or something comparable in this transmission because the ATF is so thin. I've never seen a manual run automatic trans fluid. This transmission is the T355 made by New Venture Gear. I have read that the manufacturer actually recommended some sort of gear oil vs what Chrysler uses. Also, what are your thoughts on rebuilt transmissions? I found one through a reputable company for $1,700, but I'm Leary of anything at this point.

 

Welcome to the forum. If it is just one bearing, a transmission shop should be able to open it up and change the bad part and fluid and it should be OK. I would not be afraid of a reman transmission if it has a decent warranty. As far as the fluid goes, Manual transmissions have been using ATF for decades now, My 88 5.0 Mustang 5-speed uses ATF fluid. It lubes well and makes cold weather shifting easier.