Trimanscot

My daily driver has started to generate a weird humming sound when traveling over 20km/hr, when coasting and not with the gas engaged (also happens on the brake). The sound is almost as if, in a standard car, you were downshifting while moving at speed, but without the slowdown of the engine that comes along with it.

The mechanic we've been seeing said it was likely a transmission issue, and sent me along to a transmission shop. Went for a drive with them, and was told it's either the tranny or differential - but either way his guess would be about $2,000 in work (so I assume at least $2,500) to look at both.

Wondering if others have had the same issue, or could offer some advice. Considering the age and mileage, if it's a bigger issue like a transmission we'll likely trade the car in for something else - just thought I would see if others have experienced the same thing and might have some ideas.

Details of the Car:Any advice would be great!

tomr51

tires?????????

Trimanscot

Tires are Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Planning on taking it in for a Transmission flush, and pop on the all seasons and see what happens. It's worth a shot so we will see whats up.

Audiqv8

Time to find a new mechanic when they start using works like "likely, either ---- or ----, and the most fearful "guess would be about $2,000 in work". Start off by changing the tire from snow tire to regular tire. Then check the wheel bearings if the humming is still there. 232,000km is a little over 144,100 miles here in the States and I would consider as still low mileage. If none of these solve the problem, take it to a Toyota/Lexus dealer for a diagnostic. The cost of a diagnostic could save thousands. Did any of the shops place the car on a lift to inspect for leaks from the differential? Have you done any research on the shops that you taken the car to? With the internet there's no excuse for not doing a check on the shops.

mnewxcv

Tough to say, humming noises can come from anything from tires to wheel bearings to gears in trans/diff. Is it a white noise or more of a ringing like a dirt bike?