S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Transmission Howling Noise

Old Sep 20, 2011 | 11:21 PM
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Transmission Howling Noise

Hi Guys my 2007 S550 makes a howling noise at low speeds, my indy shop told me it is the transmission pump bearings and around a $3k fix. The car has 50000 kms runs smooth.
Any one experience this?
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 07:59 AM
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Can you hear it with the windows down or do you only hear it from inside the car? Does it happen in neutral as well?

I had a similar issue when the engine was between idle and 1900 RPM. Turned out to be the AC compressor; it certainly sounded like it was transmission related though.

If your indy shop mechanic knows what he's doing then his diagnosis is most likely correct. The other indication he's correct is that you are driving an 07 S class which are notorious for transmission issues
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 06:37 PM
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I hear it at low speeds with windows closed but transmission shifts smoothly.
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 06:46 PM
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Yeah, I mean, that could go either way. I would get a second opinion on that. It'll be hard for anyone here to diagnose that issue correctly without being in the car. Like I said before, I had a similar issue and it ended up being an AC compressor.
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Old Sep 21, 2011 | 07:08 PM
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Thanks i'll be definately be getting a 2nd opinion, i was also told it could be the torque converter anyone replace theirs, how much should i expect to pay to replace it

Last edited by 604benz; Sep 22, 2011 at 01:15 PM.
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Old Sep 23, 2011 | 11:24 PM
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Make sure its not the rear differential.
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Old Sep 24, 2011 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 604benz
Thanks i'll be definately be getting a 2nd opinion, i was also told it could be the torque converter anyone replace theirs, how much should i expect to pay to replace it
New torque converters go for about $1250 new (that's for 4matic and non-4matic). Labor could be about the same amount depending on how quick and efficient the shop is.

EDIT: also keep in mind that if a dealer does the repair then they will also replace the fluid and filter in the transmission which will add an extra $200 to $450 depending on mark-up

Last edited by lboudreau; Sep 24, 2011 at 08:38 AM.
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Old Sep 24, 2011 | 12:50 PM
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My indy mechanic told me to just keep driving the car until it gets worse, will it ruin the rest of the transmission if i dont fix the torque converter asap.
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Old Sep 24, 2011 | 02:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 604benz
My indy mechanic told me to just keep driving the car until it gets worse, will it ruin the rest of the transmission if i dont fix the torque converter asap.
I don't know if I agree to let it get worse. It's not a honda civic so I wouldn't recommend it. If it isn't working correctly then he should be able to find the issue. If he can't find the issue then I would bring it to someone who can.
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