Hello everyone, I have a 2006 Saturn ion with the 2.2L engine. Recently I have noticed an issue where whenever I am coasting there is a noticeable vibrating noise coming from the front. I took a look thinking it was the cv axles needing to be replaced however they are only loose from where they come out of the transfer case. The only thing I could find is something to do with the carrier thrust bearings. Is there anyone else with the same issue and if so were you able to pull the bearings out from the outside or will I need to drop the transaxle? Thanks

 

I don't know anything about the ION, but have you recently replaced your tires or maybe had them rotated and balanced? IDK, I'm NOT a mechanic. You say it's a noise, but can you feel it in the steering wheel or when you hit the brakes?

 

No it’s only when you’re off the gas and coasting leading me to think it’s those front diff carrier bearings. The tires are new as well as the wheel bearings and the cv axles are fairly new.

 

I'd try to rotate the tires before thinking it's a transmission issue

 

Did you notice it was doing that before you got the new tires?

 

The noise just started I got the tires replaced back in may but I’m going to just check the wheel bearings first as it has been two years since they were replaced.

 

tires were replaced in may but i will try different things first

 

This am auto or 5 speed?

 

automatic

 

Thought I’d give an update just in case someone’s having the same issue as me. So luckily it wasn’t anything to do with the transmission. I kind of gave up on the car for a bit but I decided to check some things first. Then I realized the cv axle on the one side had a lot of play where it comes out of the transaxle. (That’s why I originally thought Carrier thrust bearings) I decided to replace the cv axle and so far the vibrating noise is gone. Thanks to everyone that suggested to try other things first before replacing transaxle.