1st gen manual transmission whine?

[2004Frontier]

Hi, all. I was just wondering if anyone out there has paid attention to how their 5-speed manual sounds?

I have a 2004 CCLB, 6-cyl and 5-speed manual. It seems like what has happened is that a whine has begun in 3rd gear only, under load. This now seems to be a little louder and I'm now hearing it in 5th gear, too, although not as loud.

I say 'seems', because the truck is not my daily driver and I can't remember if it always sounded like that or is some sort of a problem that is starting to get worse...

I am running Redline MT-90, full synthetic oil and have been almost since new. This was initially to try to smoothen out the shifting, which we all know is kinda notchy/crunchy, right out of the factory...

Any observations/thoughts are appreciated!!

[2004Frontier]

Anyone?

[Mhannis]

throwout bearing? changing noise due to RPM of the engine. noticed most in 3rd and 4th because of where those gears sit in the RPM range. otherwise..could be a bearing internal of the assembly.

any crunchy feel when shifting gears? burnt fluid? metal debris in the pan?

[2004Frontier]

Not throwout bearing because that would be heard in neutral, pushing the clutch pedal in and out. I know that sound, anyway, from my Civic with 212k miles on it - lol.

In any case, I know it could be an internal bearing. That is what worries me, but I also know that this is a kinda stiff, noisy transmission to begin with.

What I am asking is if anyone who has the same transmission, 5-speed manual with the 6-cylinder engine (I think the 4 cyl is different), in a 1st generation Frontier (or xTerra) and if THEY notice a whine under load in 3rd and to a lesser degree, in 5th. (These 2 gears may share the same shaft...)

BTW: Manual trans, so no pan and fluid, although it might get pretty stinky, doesn't 'burn' like with an automatic. Have not pulled drain plug to inspect the filings, as that will dump some or all of the very expensive synthetic oil. Would like some feedback before going that route... So, again: Can anyone report on what they hear in their 1st gen, 6 cyl, manual transmission? Whine? No whine?

Thanks...

[Mhannis]

well seems youve got this under control then! *awkward penguin*

[kaulana]

Thinking back now, I do remember hearing somewhat of a whine in 3rd. Now, I have to slowly shift into it because my synchros are gone. I'll check to see if I hear anything in 5th tomorrow on my way to work. I've never really paid attention, there are a bunch of noises from my truck, so I turn the radio up.

[2004Frontier]

Thanks! I'd appreciate the feedback. How many miles are on yours?

[kaulana]

I didn't hear anything going into 5th. I've got around 176,000 on mine. Try to slam it into 3rd quickly and see if there is any grinding, if so, I could almost guarantee that you have the same issue as I do. Or try the opposite, when shifting into 3rd, release from second and let the motor wind down then slowly go into 3rd and see if you still hear it.

[HKYStormFront]

is there a distinct difference in the sound between 3-4 and 4-5? do you feel anything different through the shifter? typically, i've heard that when the bearings in a transmission are going out, you can sorta feel it through the shifter. i would think more in the rear diff direction or possibly a front wheel bearing. does the noise change at all while cornering in either direction?

[2004Frontier]

The noise is definitely coming from the transmission and definitely in 3rd and to a lesser degree, 5th gear (perhaps they are on the same shaft).

The sound is a whine and it is under load and at moderate to higher rpm, so it is gear whine. This may, however, be as a result of the engagement pattern not being quite correct, as a result of something else, such as a bearing issue.

Kaulana: Do you hear a whine, under load, in 3rd gear, like I do? Its not stupid loud, but it's definitely present. Any kind of road noise, windows open, radio, etc. and you can't hear it...