High pitched whine in 2nd – Manual Transmission

[JamesB1985]

I’m driving my car into work today (2012 Civic Si 6 speed manual) and I hear a high pitched whine through some of the upper gears. When I pull into work in second gear it’s a little louder.

So basically I’m getting a high pitched whine in second gear that increases with speed. Also when I get outside the car, and sometimes inside of the car is a slight burning smell. I hear it slightly in the other gears but most noticeable in second. I think it’s a bearing noise because it sounds like if you have ever spun a bearing with shop air and it makes that high pitched whine noise but I wanted to get some other opinions.

The bearing makes sense but I don’t think that would cause a burning smell though? I changed the Manual Trans. Fluid a few hundred miles ago and I’m almost positive I have the right fluid level in there but I’ll check tomorrow. It only has 13,500 miles on the car.

Topic

[JamesB1985]

Found out what it was – extremely low on MTF. Less than half a quart, drove about 80 miles like that – it sounds like less noise but I don’t know if I’ve done permanent damage.. Anyone?

[Daniel]

It’s probably fine. Is it leaking from the axle seals or anywhere else?

[JamesB1985]

Nope – no leaks. I think I probably heated up the gears from having so little fluid in there and when I drained the little bit of MTF that was in there the fluid was gray..I hope it’s going to be alright.

[Daniel]

MTF doesn’t just evaporate. It has to be leaking from somewhere. I would get that thing up on a lift so you can do a complete visual inspection.

[college man]

I would refill it and check for leaks.

[Bill]

If the fluid was grey then you have done damage.

[Author]

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