Weird drivetrain noise!

[gt90]

Hi. I'm new to the forums and I have already found a wealth of info here! I recently acquired a 1990 535IA with the cold weather package for an excellent deal, and I have to say I love everything about the car, except this noise and a weird steering malady. I'll try to explain this the best I can. I have a weird noise that coincides with the speed of the car, I put it in neutral while driving and it has no effect on the noise. The noise is hard to pinpoint but when you are sitting in the drivers seat it sounds like it's coming from the passengers side, if you are in the passenger seat it sounds like it's coming from the center of the car right under the center console, and you can feel it through the shifter. When I first got the car it would only make the noise during high speed left turns. Now it will make the noise going over bumps and going straight. It almost sounds like the tread of the tire rubbing on the inner fender, but I pulled all 4 wheels off and couldn't see anything hitting.
The noise gets louder when i turn left or go over bumps, basically when the front right spring compresses. This is what led me to believe something was rubbing the tire. I can't stand the noise anymore and it only seems like it's getting worse. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[632 Regal]

Hi, have you checked the steering and trans fluid levels yet?

[gt90]

I have checked the power steering fluid and it is a little low but not bad.
For some reason I can't get the tranny fluid dipstick out, is there something I'm missing?

[632 Regal]

power steering will make noise if low, doesnt visably make sence why but it will.

Think you have to push back then pull up...something like that. Do a search on checking trans fluid?

[zygoteer]

To get the trans dipstick out you need to deflect the lower edge slightly sideways before you pull it up and out - once you experience this, it is simple, although I agree it is confusing at first.

I understand from posts on here (and I made this mistake at first) that the trans oil level should only be checked with engine running at normal operating temperature.

[gt90]

Is it possible that low trans fluid could cause this weird noise?

[632 Regal]

Sure!

If its low make sure you use the correct fluid, cheapie stuff isn't gonna cut it.


Is it possible that low trans fluid could cause this weird noise?

[Bill R.]

When the rubber is torn and the bearing is starting to sieze it will make a rubbing sound just under the center console, Usually at low speeds first thing in the morning and then after it warms up it quits for awhile and the reason you would hear it on turns is that inertia is causing the driveshaft to shift to one side and start rubbing.... I also had one a couple of months ago make that noise when the transmission mounts were broken and the transmission would shift to one side when cornering which would make the driveshaft rub on the heat shield... So i would look at both of those things. Trans mounts and driveshaft center bearing.




Hi. I'm new to the forums and I have already found a wealth of info here! I recently acquired a 1990 535IA with the cold weather package for an excellent deal, and I have to say I love everything about the car, except this noise and a weird steering malady. I'll try to explain this the best I can. I have a weird noise that coincides with the speed of the car, I put it in neutral while driving and it has no effect on the noise. The noise is hard to pinpoint but when you are sitting in the drivers seat it sounds like it's coming from the passengers side, if you are in the passenger seat it sounds like it's coming from the center of the car right under the center console, and you can feel it through the shifter. When I first got the car it would only make the noise during high speed left turns. Now it will make the noise going over bumps and going straight. It almost sounds like the tread of the tire rubbing on the inner fender, but I pulled all 4 wheels off and couldn't see anything hitting.
The noise gets louder when i turn left or go over bumps, basically when the front right spring compresses. This is what led me to believe something was rubbing the tire. I can't stand the noise anymore and it only seems like it's getting worse. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bellicose Right Winger]

You may have multiple sources/problems. Some of it sounds driveshaft related. Put rear of car on jackstands, start engine, put in gear and accelerate to speed at which you hear noise. This test will eliminate any noises from front suspension, brakes and tires.

Paul Shovestul




....... The noise is hard to pinpoint but when you are sitting in the drivers seat it sounds like it's coming from the passengers side, if you are in the passenger seat it sounds like it's coming from the center of the car right under the center console, and you can feel it through the shifter.

[gt90]

Could the flex disc be messed up causing the center bearing to go bad?

[Bill R.]

.
Could the flex disc be messed up causing the center bearing to go bad?

[gt90]

Sweet that's one less thing to replace!

[Bill R.]

seems like your description more closely suits that ... and if the mounts aren't broken then i would look at the center bearing.





Sweet that's one less thing to replace!