1989 Chevy Corsica Car makes whirring noise at idle in driv

[quote:c3883ba1a8="bebadoh"] new tranny filter, gasket and fluid about 1.5k ago. i think that's when the whirr started, but can't honestly say.[/quote:c3883ba1a8]
If you are saying the "whirr" started after you changed the filter, i would guess that you dont have a good seal where the filter pushes in to the rubber seal in the tranny case, and you're sucking a little bit of air past there.

does it sound like what a power steering pump does when it's low?

Hello –

To better assist you is your model just the Corsica or the LTZ? Also what is your engine size in liter?

Just a few questions to get things going while you are providing the above info.

Your model shows that the engine cooling fans range from belt driven flex or clutch type, to electronically controlled electric cooling fans. Do you know which type you have?

Is the sound there at idle in park only or when you are in say, reverse, neutral or drive?

Is the sound there at all when you race the engine?

Erratic idle, again, only in park or also in gear or neutral….

Does it happen only when the engine is cold or when it has warmed up too……..

Does your AC work? If so does it idle erratic when the compressor is on or it doesn’t matter?

Clicks in turns……..so when you turn the wheel all the way to the right and make sharp slow circles you hear the clicking but when you straighten the wheel it goes away…..the same with a sharp left turn.

will check tranny filter seal for correct seating. power steering has lost no fluid, ever (6+ years)


model: corsica (not ltz)
engine size: 2.8L
fan: electric

Sound @ idle in drive ONLY. Not noticeable @ hi r.p.m.

Erratic idle: in drive ONLY

All symptoms occur both cold and warm.

AC works. Doesn't matter for symptoms.

Click in sharp turns, one loud click, (that's why thought ball joints, but they don't budge). Doesn't click in circles.

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Hello –

Buddycraigg gives a great suggestion on checking the transmission seal area especially since it is in drive only and it was after the filter change.

The rough idle……..normally the sensors for rough idle can be your TPS, MAT and MAP sensors. You said you have checked for codes and there are none though.

My next step- when was your last tune up…….plugs, wires etc? Take a spray bottle of water and with the car at idle mist water over the plug wires all over and see if this changes the idle at all.

The clicking sounds like CV

Defective CV/universal joints may cause clicking noises or excessive driveline play that can be improperly diagnosed as drive axle problems. Clicking noise on cornering is possible a defective outer CV. I know you said the CVs are okay but they don’t have to have a torn boot to be getting worn.

You can remove the tire and check the brake shields and other metal on the front near the rotors……but again, normally the clicking in a turn is the CV.

I would also if you have not performed a good tune up in some time do the tune up and also put in a can of BG44K fuel cleaner.

For your model vehicle, ever 30,000 miles you are supposed to change the plugs, air filter and PVC and inspect the plug wires.