I jacked my car up tonight to check on the wheels, suspension and brakes because of a vibration problem.

I put the tranny in neutral (N) with the shift override button so I could move the front wheels freely and noticed a noise coming from the tranny when the wheel goes from forward to backwards. It sounds, of course, like the clicking/clunking of gears that switch direction but it surprised me I was able to hear it. Am I supposed to hear something coming out of that or is it supposed to go silently? Is it the tranny or differential? I know it's unrelated to vibration, just curious.

It's a regular pump action jack, so the other wheel is still on the ground.

There will be some driveline lash (play) which is normal. Since you're under there you might as well check the differential fluid level, or if it's been a while, change it. A diff with fresh gear oil can soften that clunking noise slightly. I prefer synthetic oils for this application...they last longer and are more consistent. Hope this helps!

There will be some driveline lash (play) which is normal. Since you're under there you might as well check the differential fluid level, or if it's been a while, change it. A diff with fresh gear oil can soften that clunking noise slightly. I prefer synthetic oils for this application...they last longer and are more consistent. Hope this helps!

a 1998 camry with auto transmission has a differential that takes/uses auto transmission fluid. I believe it is dextron 3 type fluid. not gear oil.:nono: I believe i'm right about this. I know my 1989 camry differential takes auto tranny fluid.:2cents:

Regards,

JOET/CAMRY

Whoops...I half thought about it, but didn't follow through, thanks JOET/CAMRY. Camry diffs do use Dexron III transmission fluid and NOT gear oil. Can AF forgive me??? Next time I'll take the time to double-check stuff like that.

Whoops...I half thought about it, but didn't follow through, thanks JOET/CAMRY. Camry diffs do use Dexron III transmission fluid and NOT gear oil. Can AF forgive me??? Next time I'll take the time to double-check stuff like that.



You are forgiven.

Mike