Auto transmission noisy

2003 TOYOTA AVENSIS
12,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PETLEW
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From a cold start, as the drive takes up there is an easily audible "rattling, spinning" type noise that seems to come from the auto gearbox (or at least the drive-train somewhere) as the engine warms up the noise reduces, but never entirely goes away. A dull background rumbling at high (motorway) speeds.

This began around 10000 miles ago and got progressively worse, but has remained fairly stable recently. I am a bit worried that this may develop into something expensive.

At all low revs the engine (out of gear) remains fairly quiet for 104000 miles.

Apart from this the drive from the automatic transmission seems to be absolutely normal, the kick-down, overdrive on/off etc all work correctly.
Apr 9, 2014 at 10:17 AM
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HMAC300
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have timing and fan belt checked recommended belt replacement and tensioner for both is 60,000 miles. also have it scanned for codes if you think it comes from trans then have a trans guy check it as it may be loose torque converter bolts or a torque converter problem maybe.
Apr 10, 2014 at 7:05 AM
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PETLEW
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Thank you for that Hmac300, The fan belt was changed for new about 6000 miles ago. The cam drive is by internal chain not belt, a worn cam chain would I think produce more problems than just noise such as poor running or difficult starting, both of which are fine..

I'm normally very careful about regular services, and, keep a close eye on engine oil contents, like many Avensis this one uses some of oil regularly, it doesn't leak it, it doesn't burn it producing a smoking exhaust, Toyota actually say in the handbook to watch the oil level. Mine uses about 0.5ltr every 5-600 miles, I understand there are others around that use more than this. It depends on the driving type being thirstier for oil in short trips.

But, your suggestion to have it looked at by a transmission expert is a good one.
Apr 10, 2014 at 8:04 AM
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PETLEW
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PS. not sure where 12,000 miles came from in the question header, I don't remember selecting it, the actual is 104,000 miles. The annual mileage is around 10 to 12,000.

Otherwise this Avensis is apart from this and a set of rear shocks is by far the most reliable car I've ever owned.

Since the car has been adapted for my disabled wife on the passenger side I would be extremely loath to have to change for another car.
Apr 10, 2014 at 8:10 AM
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PETLEW
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A visit today to an auto transmission specialist has put my mind at rest as far as the auto gearbox is concerned as the noise is not coming from it.

It seems the fan belt pulleys and tensioners are the area to look, since the car is in for a full service next week it will be investigated then.
Apr 11, 2014 at 9:08 AM
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PETEDUG
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Hello Petlew, I was searching the net for an answer to the same problem you were having. I know its a long time ago, but can you tell me what the actual problem was with the noise ?
Dec 19, 2017 at 4:04 PM
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STRAILER
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I can tell you what the noise is if you shoot a quick video with your phone of the nose and upload it here at your reply.

Let us know what happens and please upload videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
Dec 20, 2017 at 6:27 PM