Dealer Says CVT Transmission Needs to be Replaced

[kford2bfree]

Hello,

I've been hearing load sounds in my 2010 Fusion Hybrid for several months. The dealer believes it's the transmission, but since that is a roughly $7,000 repair I'm reluctant to replace it - especially since the Dealer can't confirm that through their diagnostic testing. It has a CVT transmission. I took it to a transmission place and he believes the sounds are not coming from the transmission. The Dealer told me if the sounds stop when the car is put into neutral that is a confirmation of the problem. However, I don't feel any slippage or jerking. For now I am continuing to drive it but the noises are pretty loud and I would like to diagnosis it definitively. The symptoms are listed below. If anyone has suggestions, or if you have experienced something similar please let me know. Thank you.

• Car must be driven for approximately 15 miles or idled with the engine on for roughly 45 minutes
• Sounds will be heard emanating from front on the vehicle – generally from the driver side.
• It will sound as though something is rubbing or scraping against something - thumping sounds may also be heard
• Sounds are most prevalent at a low speeds (under 10 mph) and when the brakes are being applied or when first accelerating

[lolder]

The continuously variable transmission is a hybrid part and is guaranteed for 8-10 yrs or 100-150K miles depending on the state. That includes everything in the transmission including the two motor/generators. The 5 year, 60K mile clause does not apply. These transmissions shouldn't make any noises. You may have a CV driveshaft problem. DON'T take it to a transmission shop. If you don't hear it when the car is not in motion, it's unlikely that it's in the transmission. When the ICE runs when in "P", most of the transmission parts are moving except the traction motor and gearing and differential and drive axles. If the noise is most prevalent when there is acceleration or braking torgue on the axles, it's most likely CV joints.

[murphy]

Never mind, I missed that it was a 2010 and not a 2013.

Edited December 21, 2013 by murphy

[acdii]

The only thing that comes to mind is a bearing in the lower end in the differential area that can make those noises.

 

Did the car get put on a rack and run? If it makes noise on a rack with no weight on the wheels, then the wheel bearings can most likely be ruled out, and may be pinpointed to the differential bearings. CV shafts make noise mostly when making a turn, they click and pop as the joint flexes, but never a rubbing or scraping sound. The CV has an inner and outer joint with 5-8 large ball bearings in grooves packed in grease, and as long as the boots are sealed, they never wear out under normal driving. When a boot cracks, dirt can get in them and wear the grooves, and thats what makes the clicking noises.

 

Your description sounds more like a wheel or differential bearing, and a good mechanic with a stethoscope can located the noise and determine if its an easy fix or a complicated one. If its the wheel hub, its about $400-500 to repair.