Questions and Answers

Toyota MR2 Transmission Noise Q. Hi, I have a question about my Toyota MR2, and maybe you can point me in the right direction. A few weeks ago, after a 500 mile road trip, I noticed that while accelerating in gear, I hear a "brrrrr" (sort of like a gurgling/farting sound, excuse my language) coming from right behind me, where the transmission is.

When I'm in neutral and apply the throttle, I don't hear that sound anymore, so it's not RPM-dependent: Only when I'm in gear. I've also noticed (just recently, after driving a few minutes in the cold,) that there seems to be little steam coming out of the tailpipe after I shut off the engine, which goes away in a few minutes.

As background info, there seems to be a little oil leak from around the oil filter, which I noticed this past weekend while working under the car, and I tightened it up to see if it leaks any more. Checking the fluid level, the engine isn't losing that much oil, though. Coolant level is normal as well with no leaks.

I've been reading your Q&As and searching the web for some clues, but to no avail. Some suggested that it's a head gasket leak with coolant entering the engine, but I'm not sure, since being in gear or not shouldn't change the sound, right? And my coolant level is not changing much.

If you have any thoughts, I'd really appreciate it. I want to get some thoughts before I open up the engine or something drastic like that. Luckily I have another commuter car that I can use while working on this car.

1986 Toyota MR2
1.6 liter 4-Cylinder 16-Valve Normally Aspirated (4-AGE)
5-Speed Manual
141,000 miles
Fuel Injected

Thanks a lot in advance!
Mike

A. This is going to be very difficult to offer an opinion on since I can't hear the noise itself and there could be a number of causes. As an educated guess, it would seem the problem is with the input shaft bearing or other internal transmission bearing.

It is also possible that there is a problem with the clutch or, if the noise is apparent only when actually moving, the CV joints or drive axles.

That puff of steam is normal, nothing to worry about. It's just condensation inside the pipes.

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