whining noise from CVT automatic gearbox?

[CMF_hifienthusiast]

I have a 1995 1.3L Micra with the CVT automatic gearbox. The engine is very quiet when idle or being rev up when stationary. However, about a year ago the CVT gearbox (or perhaps something else?) has started to make a whining noise when the car is moving. The whining noise gets louder when the speed increases. The "gear change" seems to be smooth enough. Today the whining noise was getting really loud when I was doing 50 mph.

Can someone tell me what's wrong with my Micra? I cannot repair the car myself and I will ask a non-Nissan repairer to look at it tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[CMF_Madrabbit]

Have you checked the oil level?
This is normally done by unscrewing the speedo cable (at the gearbox) and reading the level off the drive. I think!

 

[CMF_hifienthusiast]

There is a dipstick for checking the automatic transmission fluid level. I checked the level today and it is still red colour and the level is correct.

 

[CMF_Yom]

Even if the oil is still red, it should be changed as per Nissans instructions. Change the oil and hope the noise goes away.

It *sounds* like a bearing of some sort, but I recently found the micra cvt is nothing like what I thought I understood about CVT transmissions, so it could be something else (more serious).

Either way I think it might pay off to start searching around at scrapyards for a low milage CVT box to replace yours in the event that it cr@ps itself.

 

[CMF_hifienthusiast]

Thanks for your advice. I hope I won't need a replacement CVT gearbox since the car is 11 years old and the gearbox will cost more than what the Micra's worth. This may be a dilemma I will have to face after the repairer inspects the car.

 

[CMF_Rich]

sorry to dig up an old post, but this is the first time I have been to this forum in about a year.

My '97 1.3 CVT does the same thing. Been doing it for over a year now, and I chocked it up to just being the CVT it's self.

Where is this dip stick?

Also, I have a bit of slipping as I accelerate, anyone know the cuase of this?

 

[CMF_Yom]

Hard to tell if what you feel is the CVT slipping or just normal CVT operation.

IF it is slipping, you're coming up very quickly for a new belt.

 

[CMF_Rich]

I know the standard CVT slippage, but under heavier acceleration, and up hills and such (when the power is needed from the motor) it feels like I am rocking my foot on and off throttle. It's deffenitally not a normal feeling, much like it would be chugging. You know?

What is envolved with swapping out the belt?

 

[CMF_Yom]

Its not a user serviceable item.. Unless of course you're a CVT transmission specialist.

You'd need a factory nissan service manual if you were to attempt it yourself. Dare i say most auto transmission specialists would require the same manual.