Whistling Noise
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1
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Whistling Noise
My 2008 RL makes a whistling sound at around 55 MPH during acceleration. I took into the dealer and was told that Acura is aware of the problem (in the transmission) but they do not know what the cause is or what the fix is. Some owners have had there transmissions replaced (you only get a re-built one from the factory) and the problem either goes away or could be the same or louder. Anyone else aware of this issue or have any suggestions?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 613
Likes: 15
From: Socal
Hm, I have a whistling noise at 70-75, and it's pretty faint above 75. I have a thread here if you wanna check it out: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798083
I can actually hear a faint whistling around 45, but it doesn't bothers me because it's very unnoticeable.
I can actually hear a faint whistling around 45, but it doesn't bothers me because it's very unnoticeable.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 249
Likes: 5
From: Kansas City, MO
Cruisin'
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
Hm, I have a whistling noise at 70-75, and it's pretty faint above 75. I have a thread here if you wanna check it out: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798083
I can actually hear a faint whistling around 45, but it doesn't bothers me because it's very unnoticeable.
I can actually hear a faint whistling around 45, but it doesn't bothers me because it's very unnoticeable.
does any one read any more???
more info in the thread posted above.
Background:
TSB exist regarding a whine noise that calls for the change out of the propeller shaft due to a failing center bearing. The bearing can not simply be changed out due to the design of the propeller shaft.
2005 and 2006 models have the whine noise. I see no posts regarding 2007, 2008, or 2009.
It has been written that the noise it not a problem more of a nuisance. I will never believe that. The rotating shaft is composed of 2 pieces the front and rear which is supported by the center bearing which is surrounded by an elastic material. The elastomer dampens the vibration. Obviously the normal vibration is wearing out the center bearing and causing it to make noise. Eventually the bearing will be slap wore out. Moreover, as the bearing wears, more vibration will be transferred to the rear differential. The rear differential is very expensive and they don’t even offer internal parts (other than service parts), and do not have rebuilding information in the service manual. So one would be forced to replace the whole rear differential if internal parts to rebuild can’t be purchased.
I am greatly concerned with this topic. I will be replacing my propeller shaft to as in hopes of protecting the rear differential.
Investigation:
I did an extensive search on the forum and summarized the result below. If cells are left blank then not enough information was given for me to fill out completely.
Well I have an excel spreadsheet summarizing all relative posts but it will not cut and paste properly. I am not redoing it in this freaking window. If anyone knows how to copy into this window spreadsheets (excel) and tables (word) please advise. I will post if someone tells me how. Note, you can't scan as a pdf and do as a picture. It said invalid file when I tried this.
Nice spreadsheet would have gone here.
Notes from the posts summary (that you can't see):
2005 and 2006 have the problem.
There are 2 ranges of speed that the noise is showing up at 30-40 mph and 70-80 mph.
My personal experience is: Two different noises exist.The first noise occurs at 20-40 mph and shows up during cold weather. The noise only appears at 20-40 mph, lasts for 2-3 seconds, and can only be heard during the initial 1-2 miles of driving. After, 1-2 miles the noise can not be reproduced. This noise it not a whine (high pitched noise that sounds like an improper ground. Kind of like what people will remedy with in line power feed filter going to an amplifier driving a stereo system). The noise is more like a “whirring” noise can be heard in 2nd, 3rd , or 4th gear, and neutral. Sounds kind of like wind/mechanical noise.
I have thought that it may be from internal parts in the differential that have wear. The reason the noise goes away after 1-2 miles is that oil fluid has now circulated over the worn parts and/or temperature increased (affecting viscosity) so the noise does not show up.
The second noise I have is the whine. This is distinguishly different than the propeller shaft noise. It sounds like a whine that one will hear when you add a low quality amplifier to a stereo system. It is definitely a continuous whine heard at 65-75 mph and changes pitch with the load being applied (uphill, coast, etc.). Additionally, the whine is sensitive to moisture…When it is raining the sound level is significantly decreased.
The most interesting posts are from robarasan, Ballinger, jedinyete120, and Surafiel. The most important posts are from Ballinger.
Ballinger's posts have stated that first they changed the differential and the noise went away. However, later (3 months) they replaced the propeller shaft.
Ballinger: Please post all the details you can. Particularly.
Describe the noise and when and how it occurred. Could the noise be reproduced after 1-2 miles of driving?
How did the dealer determine your differential was “Tostado”?
Once the noise reoccurred (changed propeller shaft)…Was it the same noise as before or different.
You initially brought your car in for a noise not a differential problem. If the differential was so bad it had to be changed, I would think the car would be acting very funny especially going uphill or when hard acceleration was taking place (SH-AWD transmitting more torque to the rear end).
How did your dealer explain that your differential was toast but the net effect was only a simple noise? I would think a shot differential would really create problems.
How did your dealer distinguish the noise requiring a differential replacement and a noise requiring the propeller shaft replacement?
Did your dealer ever say that the initial differential replacement was not the cause of the noise and it was actually the propeller shaft?
Robarson has very interesting post. He was hearing a noise at 40 mph and it was only lasting 5 seconds or less during cold weather. I strongly suspect that Robarsan had the whirring noise and this scares me greatly because of the differential change that was done to stop it.
Robarson, please provide all the details you can. I am particularly interested in did your situation mirror mine and how the dealer confirmed that is was the differential. Let’s think for a minute…You brought your car in for a noise not a differential problem If the differential was so bad it had to be changed I would think the car would be acting very funny especially going uphill or when hard acceleration was taking place (SH-AWD transmitting more torque to the rear end).
Jedinyte120: Very good identifying posts. He clearly states he has two different noises. (1) whine/howl from 25-40 mph and a (2) higher pitch noise at 65 plus mph. The propeller shaft change resulted in eliminating the 65 plus mph higher pitched noise. He still has the 25-40 mph noise.
Jedinytel20: Please respond back with how you are currently doing. Is the noise at 25-mph getting worse? Does the noise go away after a few miles of driving? Does the noise show up in different gears but within 25-40 mph? If the noise shows up again throw the tranny in neutral and see what happens.
Surafiel: Another differential post replacement. He said he had a “mechanical noise” 20-40 mph and after driving a couple of miles it would go away.
Surafiel please update us on how you are doing.
MIDRVR: Very interesting posts…He has the 20-40 mph noise and mirrors my first noise description to the tee. He has not had anything replaced and his noise showed up with only 12K on the vehicle.
MIDRVR please update us on how you are doing.
The below Table shows that in 2007 a new P/N was introduced with the last three digits being E01. I suspected and had this confirmed at a Honda dealership that this denotes an engineering change. Henceforth, the proper shaft to replace with would be P/N 40100-SJA-E01.
A nice table would go here showing all the P/N's for the propeller shaft from 2005-2009 but it will not cut and paste properly.
The differential P/N is the same for 2005-2008 P/N 41200-RJC-010 in 2009 it changed to 412-RJC-020. I don't expect that in 2009 it has an engineering change.
What I concluded from my research is that 25-40 mph noise is related to the differential but the issue does not result in functionality problems with the differential. No one took the car in for anything other than a noise occurring.
65-70 mph noise is from the propeller shaft and the correct part number to replace with is 40100-SJA-E01.
I am highly suspicious that the worn center bearing creates excessive vibration and it is harming the differential.
I am submitting this thread at this time and not including a lot more thoughts that I have on this. I figured I would submit and wait for feedback before I continue. You all probably think I am full of it anyway.
In any case, I plan on purchasing the propeller shaft for $1,356 (Acuraoemparts.com) vs. $1,808 (Dealer) and install myself to fix the 65-70 mph noise. I don't expect this to resolve the 40 mph noise. I will purchase a differential $3,132 vs. ($4,176 dealer) and install myself (25-40 mph noise). Before, I do the differential, I will wait till the differential shows physical problems other than an annoying noise, open up and attempt to rebuild if possible.
As a final note, if my suspensions are correct and the propeller takes out the differential… can it also take out the transfer case/tranny? I suspect not. The difference between the tranny propeller and differential propeller marriage is that the tranny drives the propeller and the propeller drives the differential.
I kindly request that all fellow Acuraziners chyme in if you have these two noises, differential work, propeller shaft work, or transmission work. I am desperately trying to determine if a relationship exists between the propeller shaft and differential. I do not want to destroy my differential by continuing to drive with the 65-70 mph whine. I am not saying there is a definite relationship. I am saying further research is needed and ask all to assist me and let's use this forum for it's intent. To share information as a group and collectively aid in increasing one's knowledge of the 2nd generation RL. With this knowledge, we can make educated decisions on how to effectively address our problems.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
TSB exist regarding a whine noise that calls for the change out of the propeller shaft due to a failing center bearing. The bearing can not simply be changed out due to the design of the propeller shaft.
2005 and 2006 models have the whine noise. I see no posts regarding 2007, 2008, or 2009.
It has been written that the noise it not a problem more of a nuisance. I will never believe that. The rotating shaft is composed of 2 pieces the front and rear which is supported by the center bearing which is surrounded by an elastic material. The elastomer dampens the vibration. Obviously the normal vibration is wearing out the center bearing and causing it to make noise. Eventually the bearing will be slap wore out. Moreover, as the bearing wears, more vibration will be transferred to the rear differential. The rear differential is very expensive and they don’t even offer internal parts (other than service parts), and do not have rebuilding information in the service manual. So one would be forced to replace the whole rear differential if internal parts to rebuild can’t be purchased.
I am greatly concerned with this topic. I will be replacing my propeller shaft to as in hopes of protecting the rear differential.
Investigation:
I did an extensive search on the forum and summarized the result below. If cells are left blank then not enough information was given for me to fill out completely.
Well I have an excel spreadsheet summarizing all relative posts but it will not cut and paste properly. I am not redoing it in this freaking window. If anyone knows how to copy into this window spreadsheets (excel) and tables (word) please advise. I will post if someone tells me how. Note, you can't scan as a pdf and do as a picture. It said invalid file when I tried this.
Nice spreadsheet would have gone here.
Notes from the posts summary (that you can't see):
2005 and 2006 have the problem.
There are 2 ranges of speed that the noise is showing up at 30-40 mph and 70-80 mph.
My personal experience is: Two different noises exist.The first noise occurs at 20-40 mph and shows up during cold weather. The noise only appears at 20-40 mph, lasts for 2-3 seconds, and can only be heard during the initial 1-2 miles of driving. After, 1-2 miles the noise can not be reproduced. This noise it not a whine (high pitched noise that sounds like an improper ground. Kind of like what people will remedy with in line power feed filter going to an amplifier driving a stereo system). The noise is more like a “whirring” noise can be heard in 2nd, 3rd , or 4th gear, and neutral. Sounds kind of like wind/mechanical noise.
I have thought that it may be from internal parts in the differential that have wear. The reason the noise goes away after 1-2 miles is that oil fluid has now circulated over the worn parts and/or temperature increased (affecting viscosity) so the noise does not show up.
The second noise I have is the whine. This is distinguishly different than the propeller shaft noise. It sounds like a whine that one will hear when you add a low quality amplifier to a stereo system. It is definitely a continuous whine heard at 65-75 mph and changes pitch with the load being applied (uphill, coast, etc.). Additionally, the whine is sensitive to moisture…When it is raining the sound level is significantly decreased.
The most interesting posts are from robarasan, Ballinger, jedinyete120, and Surafiel. The most important posts are from Ballinger.
Ballinger's posts have stated that first they changed the differential and the noise went away. However, later (3 months) they replaced the propeller shaft.
Ballinger: Please post all the details you can. Particularly.
Describe the noise and when and how it occurred. Could the noise be reproduced after 1-2 miles of driving?
How did the dealer determine your differential was “Tostado”?
Once the noise reoccurred (changed propeller shaft)…Was it the same noise as before or different.
You initially brought your car in for a noise not a differential problem. If the differential was so bad it had to be changed, I would think the car would be acting very funny especially going uphill or when hard acceleration was taking place (SH-AWD transmitting more torque to the rear end).
How did your dealer explain that your differential was toast but the net effect was only a simple noise? I would think a shot differential would really create problems.
How did your dealer distinguish the noise requiring a differential replacement and a noise requiring the propeller shaft replacement?
Did your dealer ever say that the initial differential replacement was not the cause of the noise and it was actually the propeller shaft?
Robarson has very interesting post. He was hearing a noise at 40 mph and it was only lasting 5 seconds or less during cold weather. I strongly suspect that Robarsan had the whirring noise and this scares me greatly because of the differential change that was done to stop it.
Robarson, please provide all the details you can. I am particularly interested in did your situation mirror mine and how the dealer confirmed that is was the differential. Let’s think for a minute…You brought your car in for a noise not a differential problem If the differential was so bad it had to be changed I would think the car would be acting very funny especially going uphill or when hard acceleration was taking place (SH-AWD transmitting more torque to the rear end).
Jedinyte120: Very good identifying posts. He clearly states he has two different noises. (1) whine/howl from 25-40 mph and a (2) higher pitch noise at 65 plus mph. The propeller shaft change resulted in eliminating the 65 plus mph higher pitched noise. He still has the 25-40 mph noise.
Jedinytel20: Please respond back with how you are currently doing. Is the noise at 25-mph getting worse? Does the noise go away after a few miles of driving? Does the noise show up in different gears but within 25-40 mph? If the noise shows up again throw the tranny in neutral and see what happens.
Surafiel: Another differential post replacement. He said he had a “mechanical noise” 20-40 mph and after driving a couple of miles it would go away.
Surafiel please update us on how you are doing.
MIDRVR: Very interesting posts…He has the 20-40 mph noise and mirrors my first noise description to the tee. He has not had anything replaced and his noise showed up with only 12K on the vehicle.
MIDRVR please update us on how you are doing.
The below Table shows that in 2007 a new P/N was introduced with the last three digits being E01. I suspected and had this confirmed at a Honda dealership that this denotes an engineering change. Henceforth, the proper shaft to replace with would be P/N 40100-SJA-E01.
A nice table would go here showing all the P/N's for the propeller shaft from 2005-2009 but it will not cut and paste properly.
The differential P/N is the same for 2005-2008 P/N 41200-RJC-010 in 2009 it changed to 412-RJC-020. I don't expect that in 2009 it has an engineering change.
What I concluded from my research is that 25-40 mph noise is related to the differential but the issue does not result in functionality problems with the differential. No one took the car in for anything other than a noise occurring.
65-70 mph noise is from the propeller shaft and the correct part number to replace with is 40100-SJA-E01.
I am highly suspicious that the worn center bearing creates excessive vibration and it is harming the differential.
I am submitting this thread at this time and not including a lot more thoughts that I have on this. I figured I would submit and wait for feedback before I continue. You all probably think I am full of it anyway.
In any case, I plan on purchasing the propeller shaft for $1,356 (Acuraoemparts.com) vs. $1,808 (Dealer) and install myself to fix the 65-70 mph noise. I don't expect this to resolve the 40 mph noise. I will purchase a differential $3,132 vs. ($4,176 dealer) and install myself (25-40 mph noise). Before, I do the differential, I will wait till the differential shows physical problems other than an annoying noise, open up and attempt to rebuild if possible.
As a final note, if my suspensions are correct and the propeller takes out the differential… can it also take out the transfer case/tranny? I suspect not. The difference between the tranny propeller and differential propeller marriage is that the tranny drives the propeller and the propeller drives the differential.
I kindly request that all fellow Acuraziners chyme in if you have these two noises, differential work, propeller shaft work, or transmission work. I am desperately trying to determine if a relationship exists between the propeller shaft and differential. I do not want to destroy my differential by continuing to drive with the 65-70 mph whine. I am not saying there is a definite relationship. I am saying further research is needed and ask all to assist me and let's use this forum for it's intent. To share information as a group and collectively aid in increasing one's knowledge of the 2nd generation RL. With this knowledge, we can make educated decisions on how to effectively address our problems.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,920
Likes: 421
Trending Topics
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 45
From: MA
Nice read... which I already did. But is it serious? Am I going to ruin the tranny by continuing to drive without addressing the issue? I'm not mechanically inclined, so any suggestions are appreciated.
damn, you caught me.....pot calling the kettle black...I apologize
i did not read, but the first post. it seems like this problem was discussed and possibly solved.
take a look farther down and see what the full thread says, I'll do the same.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 45
From: MA
Since I called you out, you'll have to do the reading and reporting now. :wink:
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
i have a 2009 SH-AWD with about 28K miles and all of a sudden developed this whistling issue. It starts when i hit 30 MPH and continuously gets louder when I increase in speed. I originally thought maybe my window was not up all the or my in cabin filter that I recently installed was not snugly. When I apply my brakes and dip below 30 MPH the noise disappears. So I am nervous thinking maybe some break component may be failing. Sounds like the propeller shaft may be the issue. I have a service appointment for them to look at my brakes. I may just as them about my propeller shaft.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
drive shaft bearing
My 08 RL has 27,000 miles on it. I've noticed the whistling since the car was new and took it to the dealer recently. High pitched whining/whistling that sounded unhealthy when the car was cold and accelerating between 30 and 40 miles an hour.
Dealer Notes: "Test drove, was able to duplicate only on cold start then drive - heard noise 30-40 MPH - inspected drive shaft bearing - found bearing faulty - replaced - let vehicle sit and test drove again - noise is now gone."
So they replaced the drive shaft bearing and I'm told it would've cots $2000 but it was no charge. I also got an oil change.
I drove 500 miles yesterday to Burlington, VT and back to southern Maine. Obviously mostly highway miles but I drove her hard and aggressive and got 25.8 MPG on the first tank, and 26 on the second on route 4 in New Hampshire. Before no matter what, it always averaged 23.4...now I am seeing an immediate 10% increase in fuel economy.
My theory is the fix increased the fuel economy because I personally see a clear difference in MPG. Anyone else see this who's gotten it fixed?
Dealer Notes: "Test drove, was able to duplicate only on cold start then drive - heard noise 30-40 MPH - inspected drive shaft bearing - found bearing faulty - replaced - let vehicle sit and test drove again - noise is now gone."
So they replaced the drive shaft bearing and I'm told it would've cots $2000 but it was no charge. I also got an oil change.
I drove 500 miles yesterday to Burlington, VT and back to southern Maine. Obviously mostly highway miles but I drove her hard and aggressive and got 25.8 MPG on the first tank, and 26 on the second on route 4 in New Hampshire. Before no matter what, it always averaged 23.4...now I am seeing an immediate 10% increase in fuel economy.
My theory is the fix increased the fuel economy because I personally see a clear difference in MPG. Anyone else see this who's gotten it fixed?
9th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I got this same whine at 33mph. It went away when I went faster or slower. Took it to the dealer right before the warrantee was expired. They replaced the transmission. I still have the noise but at 40mph (constant speed). Only when it is 70 degrees or more. Took it to the dealership numerous times. They never can duplicate the noise. I talked to them about the driveshaft. They didn't seem to know what I was talking about.
Cruisin'
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Boston, Ma
I had this same noise. I first noticed it during the winter. It would make this whining sound between 20-40 mph and also at high highway speeds. I brought the car to the dealer and they claimed they couldn't hear it. So I brought the car back again on a cold morning and sure enough the heard it. They tried to give me the run around about fixing it saying they have to check with corporate to make sure its covered under warranty because they did not want to have to come out of their pocket and fix it. Long story short, they ended up fixing the car. It was a bad differential/propeller shaft. I'm happy I got it done sooner than later since I'm still under warranty I didn't have to pay the $2,000 to get it fixed.
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