2003 Protege ES Auto mystery noise

[therizzzo1]

I'm mostly a lurker here, but this forum has saved me a lot of time and money over the years and I thank all involved. Now, to the point:

I have a 2003 Protege ES with automatic transmission. I have a clicking/humming noise that I can't identify. The clicking noise varies with speed and it's coming from my front end and sounds like a hum at higher speed (think 4x4 tire sound). I can feel some vibration in the car, but not in the steering wheel. This noise goes away when I press on the gas. When I let off the gas, it comes back. While going downhill, I can put it in neutral and the noise level drops down considerable, but is still there. It seems to be coming from the left side. My first thoughts are CV axle or the wheel bearing, but now I'm wondering if it isn't transmission related due to the noise level dropping when coasting.

Any thoughts Protege gurus?

 

[concept]

How often do you change your transmission fluid? You should change it completely every 3 years or just drain and fill every 2 years.

 

[crashphoenix]

I have the same or similar issue. Just got a 2003 Protege ES with auto trans. Seemed like a good deal at the time. Shop said it was the carrier bearing and housing (housing was cracked) $422 later and the noise is still there. They have checked the front bearings/axles, all are tight and supposedly not making noise. However, when coasting it almost sounds like cards in a bicycle wheel spokes. The noise lessens if I put it in neutral, but is still there. Even when coasting with the engine off. (Don't try this at home kids). Tried a different shop that said the front end was tight. Both said not to worry unless it got worse. I'm concerned it's the tranny, and yes, fluid has been changed regularly. Never happens on acceleration, even light pressure on the gas makes it go away.
Anyone else have this problem?