Transmission Problem?

I have a 2000, automatic Sunfire.

The problem is that when the car is under load (like driving uphill) it makes a grinding noise from the transmission.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to the problem? Or have you had the same?

I'd like to have some idea before I take it to the mechanic...a little nervous :(.

Thanks so much :).

No takers?

It's more like a whirring noise that can get louder...like a ball bearing or something...metal past metal...vrrrrrrr....

Well I'll keep you posted...I can't take it in for another week or so though...very broke and it sounds like an expensive noise.

Are you sure it's from the tranny? It sounds like it could be a bad wheel bearing. If it is actually from the tranny, have you checked / changed your tranny fluid lately?

I was going to have the mechanic change the fluid (had it done at 60K now at 74K) but he didn't know how many quarts to put in. I was in Yosemite Natl Park and it wasn't the most confidence instilling place (but nice).

Would a wheel bearing make noise only going uphill?

Hopefully fluid makes the diff. Have you heard anything about Saturn fluid making the transmission noise go away?

Thanks for replying ;). :)!