Hey all.........Thank you in advance. Need some help pinpointing what this sound could be. 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3......194k miles. Yes.....I know I'm on barrowed time with the 6L80 transmission, but it's shifting smooth and runs great. I bought the truck with 170k, but it was VERY well taken care of with all the service records available. I knew going into this that I'll be replacing the transmission at some point. When I purchased the truck I added the Shift Technologies Sure Cool Kit and a Range AFM disabler.
I've noticed somewhat of a lack of power when trying to pass in the last couple weeks, and slight chirp/squeak sound when demanding power. I was towing my boat the other day and noticed the sound getting much louder and more frequent. Transmission temps never got above 174deg. The sound seems to be coming from the bellhousing area but more towards the starter side. Put the truck on a hoist to investigate further. Below is what I've already checked.
Dropped the transmission pan to inspect and change fluid/filter.
Fluid was clean and zero signs of contamination
Split the filter and found very little contamination in filter element
Pulled the starter to inspect starter hang-up
No signs of contact on starter gear or flex plate
Inspected flex plate for cracks
No signs of cracks visible and all seemed tight
When starting the truck there's a slight screech then goes away within 1 second. The truck is quiet when idling and low RPMs. As soon as you increase 2000+ RPMs the screech sound can be heard. Higher the RPMs the louder the screech. It's present in forward and reverse over 2000 RPMs. Cruising down the highway below 2000 RPM the sound is very low and can't be heard. As soon as you demand power the screech is there.
I've been discussing this sound with every mechanic I know and there's no definitive answer. Below is a list of possible sources of the sound per the many mechanics I talked to.
Torque converter coming apart
Shouldn't there be contamination present?
Transmission pump failing
Shouldn't the sound be there at all times and see contamination present?
Warn clutch bands
The sounds seems to be right at the bellhousing
Catalytic converter coming apart
This is in line the lack of power and the screech/whistle sound with higher RPMs
Looking for some insight before I start tossing parts at the truck, especially dealing with expensive parts.
PXL_20250527_0206150023 (1).mp4