2007 Buick Rendezvous groaning sound

Tiny
BXD20
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 BUICK RENDEZVOUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 30,000 MILES
We bought a 2007 Buick Rendezvous brand new. Good car so far.

At around 20,000 miles, I started noticing a groaning sound that reverberates through the cabin. At 30,000 miles now, it is slightly worse.

Only happens at light to mid throttle, under light load, and over 45mph. Never hear it past 60mph. If you are on flat road you don't hear it, if you push harder and the trans shifts it goes away.

The most common scenario is: 45-55mph, in overdrive, going up a slight hill without a downshift, torque converter locked.

I am thinking either a mount (engine or trans mount?) That is allowing a certain frequency of vibration to come through the body. Where are the mounts? Hard to inspect these?
OR
There is something wrong with the trans internally. Final drive / torque converter? Would a fluid & filter change be worth a shot?

Is either of those common, how could I decide between the two diagnosis?

It's still under warranty but I'd love to go in there with an idea of what's wrong.

Thanks.
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 12:48 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok there is a couple of service bulletins on engine and or transmission and transfercase noise. So I would just go to the dealer and discribe the noise what speed and what conditions is shows up at. Also check the air pressure in the tires and check for any cupping in any of the tires as this can cause noises too.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 11:12 AM
Tiny
BXD20
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the research. It's not tire cupping, it is definitely drivetrain related and affected by RPMs not vehicle speed.

I was told the existing bulletins are not for the 2007?

Thanks.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
With what you are discribing I would think that it is either transmission (torque converter) or front differential noise. With is under warranty I would make them look at it, because if you work on it then you could void you warranty. I would also check the hub assemblies too. If you turn from side to side does it change the noise?
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Friday, August 21st, 2009 AT 10:39 AM

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