horrible noise when it gets put into any gear besides park?

1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
138,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BLUE_EYES71185
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my car makes a horrible noise when it gets put into any gear besides park. it makes like a grinding noise like something in my wheels is not catching to the transmission because when i put it in reverse or any gear it doesn't want to move it just makes a grinding noise, but when i put it back in park it grinds for a few seconds then stops and sounds normal, other than that there is no abnormal engine or transmission noises and no signs before that my transmission going out, i did have a wheel bearing replaced a few months back but the other wheel bearing wasn't replaced and that was bad as well please help me figure out this problem. would appreciate any input please thank you
Mar 15, 2010 at 3:25 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Does the car move when you put it in gear? If not, look at the two half shafts to see if one pulled out of the transmission. You might have to crawl underneath while a helper does this. Be sure they keep the brakes applied!

If you see an inner cv joint partially out of the transmission housing, and drooped down a little, suspect the spring inside the joint is broken. Its job is to keep the joint's outer housing pushed into the transmission. Red transmission fluid will leak out too if the joint isn't fully seated.

caradiodoc
Mar 15, 2010 at 3:44 PM
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BLUE_EYES71185
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no car doesnt move when in gear it just grinds and then i put it back in park and it grinds a little then stops
Mar 15, 2010 at 4:16 PM
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CARADIODOC
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There could be something broken inside the transmission related to the output shaft, but the half shafts would be far less expensive and WAY more likely.

The grinding you're hearing is likely the transmission doing what it's supposed to do, but one of the splined drive shafts has pulled out and you're hearing them rub against each other. The grinding will continue for a few seconds after putting it in neutral because the rotating stuff in the transmission is coasting to a stop.

Look closely at the inner cv joints where they attach to the transmission. There's one on each side. Follow each drive shaft from the wheel to the transmission housing. Look for signs of fluid leakage too.

caradiodoc
Mar 15, 2010 at 5:09 PM