05 Dodge Stratus SXT sedan, 36,000 miles...

At highway speeds 45-70mph I hear this wierd whining noise. Its by the left side in the front. It may be whining but I maybe though it was a pump kicking in. I called the dealership and they said its possibly its the overdrive gears. What do you guys think? It stops the noise when going under 45 and it doesn't stop right when I put on the brake.

Edward

 

one way to check if it's the tranny is to put the car in "N" when you are driving. if the noise don't change, it's most likely not the tranny. you may have a wheel bearing on the way out. if the noise changes (gets louder/goes away) as you make left/right turns or speed up/slow down this is a good indicator.

you stated the car don't stop right, what's it doing? pulling left/right (check tire press), brake pedal/steering wheel moving (might be a warped rotor), or some other thing? brakes are THE most important thing on your car, you need to find out the deal. try popping off the wheel and taking a look. if something looks like it might be bad it prob is. good luk.

 

The car stops fine. I was saying that the noise doesn't stop right when I put on the brake. But if I were to throw it in neutral when I'm driving wouldn't that be dangerous, causing more problems? I have a powertrain warranty covered by this. I've tried looking online to see what specific type of tranny it is, does anyone know or have a picture of the inside?

Edward

 

if you put the car in"N" while driving, it would be just like pushing in the clutch on a stick trans, you just have to let off the gas. you should be able to tell in 3-5 sec anyway, just watch traffic. as long as the motor is running your brakes will work like norm.

to check for the noise pop the wheel off, and look at the brake pads. all brake pads have a tang that rubs on the rotor when they need to be replaced (audio warning device). be a good time to save $$$.

the best thing i can tell you right now: go to your local parts store and grab a shop book ($15-20). anytime i get a new car (it's always used), that's the first stop i make. read the task 2-3 times be fore starting ANY job. it helps sort out a LOT OF BS from the dealer mech's. good luck.