Strange Rubbing Noise - Torque Converter

[mholhut]

2008 CX9 AWD Grand Touring with 104,000 miles. Just had new tires installed, new lower control arms and alignment, all done within the past month.

The car has developed a strange consistent rubbing noise (sounds like a wheel bearing) between 30 and 40 mph and when driven on a cold start, there is a noticeable vibration under load.

If I start and drive the car with all accessories off, you can hear the noise. While in motion, I put the car in neutral and the sound is still there. Turn the ignition completely off and the noise disappears. While still in motion, I switch the ignition to on, but don't start the engine, and the noise disappears. Took two mechanics for test rides. Both heard the noise but were dumbfounded by what could be causing it.

Torque converter???

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!

-Mike

 

[jaykeez]

Disclaimer: I pretty much don't know anything about the CX-9, per se, but have some experience under my belt diagnosing/repairing all the other beater's I've owned in the past...

With that said, have you considered checking the engine/tranny/torque mount(s)?

Had a similar issue with my previous car, and the noise/vibration developed around that similar mileage too, so worth checking out.
I thought it would be isolated to 1 of the mounts, but as i replaced them one by one, the noise/vibration improved, but generally persisted (or returned after disappearing for a few days). Turns out, it took replacing all three to nail the problem down (my guess is, all the mounts were well worn and ready to be replaced at that point, and when i replaced one of them to a newer, firmer mount, the other 2 would be put under heavier loads and subsequently fail)

 

[mholhut]

Disclaimer: I pretty much don't know anything about the CX-9, per se, but have some experience under my belt diagnosing/repairing all the other beater's I've owned in the past...

With that said, have you considered checking the engine/tranny/torque mount(s)?[/QUOT

Thanks for the info! Funny you mention motor mounts. I started the car the other day and felt the car shake a bit. Thought that was unusual so I turned the car off, popped the hood and had the wife start it. The engine did shake on startup, more than I expected. I then had her put the car in drive and then in reverse and there was quite a bit of engine movement, so I'm gonna replace them and see if that helps.

I'm not sure how the noise as diagnosed with the ignition on/off could be related to engine/tranny mounts... but I'll try it!