Just picked up a 96 with a 2.2 and auto transmission. It had studded snows on it when I bought it which covered up the noise I now hear. The noise increases directly with speed and sounds to me like running mud tires down the highway or driving a 5 speed in reverse- only more subtle than that. I was relating it to the tires until I hit the dirt road and it didn't disappear. I raised the car and ran it up to about 45mph and could hear it making the same noise so I've ruled out the tires. Mileage and performance are still great, fluid level is normal but dark, shifts like a Honda. Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated! -Mark

 

fluid should be pink. Change it out and see how that helps.

 

could also be bad wheel bearing .....

can you isolate noise from inside tranny ??

 

I did some trouble shooting today and found that it does seem to directly relate to wheel/axle speed and doesn't change with engine speed- I can put it in neutral and turn the engine off and get no change in the sound. How does a person check the status of wheel bearings.