I have a strange noise that is speed dependent that I cannot trace down. It is a low frequency vibration that increases in frequency as speed rises and I am almost positive it has to be coming from the front of the car. The noise does not change with engine rpm, only mph, and pushing in the clutch doesn't change nor does changing gears.

Here is what I have checked/done so far.

Rotated tires left to right and front to back, and left to right again. The tires are all fairly new. This did nothing.

Checked axles, and found nothing rubbing.

I listened to each wheel hub and found the front right seemed to be a little noisy, so I replaced it. This did nothing.

Put it up on jacks and let it run. The noise was still there with it running up in the air.

I had my brother run it in the air while I tried to localize the noise and it appears to be coming from the middle of the engine bay. This lead me to believe it might be a transmission issue. I drained and replaced the transmission fluid, though it was nearly new. This did nothing.

It is a d15bvtec motor with the standard DX trans with 288,000 miles. It also has a lightened flywheel and stouter clutch. My thoughts are that it could be something in the (stock) differential of the transmission.

Anyone have any input or things that I should check. I would like to keep this little monster on the road, but I am at my wits end with this.

Thank you for any help you can give.

 

Any ideas anyone? I was hoping perhaps this was a common issue someone could point me towards.

Thanks!

 

my money is on transmission bearings. 288k is a damn long way.. I have 2 DX trans both that make loud whinning noises that both have around 250k.. I would swap the trans just to diagnose, and then if you want to stick to the DX transmission, buy a bearing master kit for it, which runs about $300 aftermarket.

 

^^^^^^i agree

Also did you torque the flywheel and pressure plate bolts to spec? could also be a pilot bearing going out. Hopefully you can pinpoint the problem.