Noisy t-56 normal ?

Hi Guys/Gals,

I purchased an 04 Cobra a few weeks ago but I’ve only had it out a few times. While I was driving today I noticed that the t-56 was quite loud, sounds like a little bit of whining in 3rd/4th. I don’t hear it at all in 1st in 2nd.

Previous owner was very mechanically inclined (Ford Master tech) and had recently changed the throw out bearing. It also has a center force clutch and 4.10s.

It’s not unbearable by any means, and completely not existent in 1st and 2nd mainly 3rd and 4th at low speeds. The radio drowns it out quite easily but is this something normal in these transmissions?

Thanks in advance !

Yep. They're noisy transmissions. 3rd gear in mine is pretty noticable. I know if I turn the radio off when sitting at a light with the clutch out I can hear the gears turning.

Depending on the source of the transmission noise and the noise level, there are ways to reduce or eliminate it. The T-56 is definitely noisy, though, with some noisier than others.

Mines loud enough where it’s actually concerning me. I’ve been waiting for it to crap out, but shifts nice and smooth still, so.....hammer down.

Noisy for sure. Really isn’t much between you and the trans. Just some cheap plastic.

If it's whining he could have botched the install causing the input shaft to put pressure on the gears.

Well you guys have convinced me to drop my trans and take a look at a few things and double check my install. Hope the OP got some help from this. But thanks

Thanks guys, I will definitely keep an eye on it but it's a little reassuring knowing that these are noisy transmissions. Sound is identical to the old T-5 in my previous 92 notch, car shifts fantastic though...no grinding or anything. I trust his install as he's a Ford Master Tech and was meticulous about all his cars, he was well known in the community and has 3 other Mustangs.

Also I forgot to add that their is absolutely 0 noise with the car in neutral and no foot on the clutch. I can start the car let it idle and hear 0 transmission noise, just seems to be that third & 4th gear at very light throttle.

Could be the clutch. My pro-motion has always made a whining/whirling/harmonic sound in 4th at very light throttle below 2k rpm. Like when maintaining 30mph in 4th on a flat road. Nature of the beast from what ive gathered. Others with the twin disc clutches have reported the same noise. And like mentioned, these aren't well insulated cars. Adding aftermarket stuff almost always will add nvh in one way or another.

Roots-type said:

Could be the clutch. My pro-motion has always made a whining/whirling/harmonic sound in 4th at very light throttle below 2k rpm. Like when maintaining 30mph in 4th on a flat road. Nature of the beast from what ive gathered. Others with the twin disc clutches have reported the same noise. And like mentioned, these aren't well insulated cars. Adding aftermarket stuff almost always will add nvh in one way or another.

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Thanks for the reply, that could definitely be it. Seems low RPM and I'm not sure on the model of CF clutch, when I'm in 6th cruising I can't hear anything

Are you sure it isn't gear whine from the 4.10s? When I did 4.10s on my old mustang they whined like a SOB compared to stock.

efnfast said:

Are you sure it isn't gear whine from the 4.10s? When I did 4.10s on my old mustang they whined like a SOB compared to stock.

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Could be but would it make sense they only whine at a certain speed? It's not apparent at all in 1st and 2nd.

My old t56 use to whine downshifting at low RPM’s like entering a slow turn in 1st and 2nd gear. I always liked the sound and thought it was cool. Clutch was a 26 spine RXT, cobrabobs shifter gaskets, and the anti venom mod done to it. Shifted butter smooth and whined.


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roy_1031 said:

My old t56 use to whine downshifting at low RPM’s like entering a slow turn in 1st and 2nd gear. I always liked the sound and thought it was cool. Clutch was a 26 spine RXT, cobrabobs shifter gaskets, and the anti venom mod done to it. Shifted butter smooth and whined.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Good to hear, mine also shifts like butter...just hoping nothing internal on the transmission.

Yep, they make some noise.

They are noisy hoes. The 4.10s probably not helping at freeway speeds either. 4.10s in the cobra that is gnarly

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With the 4.10s, kinda makes 1st gear useless. LOL.

CobraBob said:

With the 4.10s, kinda makes 1st gear useless. LOL.

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Yeah lol, I may swap them out to 3.73's in the spring...it can catch traction in 2nd with the 315 Nitto 555r's on the back but 1st gear has no chance

CobraBob said:

With the 4.10s, kinda makes 1st gear useless. LOL.

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Yeah, had 4.10s when I got my car. It sucked.

Tossed in some 3.31's, they kinda suck too.