Since I've had my car (few months) it makes a sort of whirring noise when in fifth gear (manual tranny). I have never thought too much of it since it doesn't affect the performance of the car at all, but I'm just curious about it.

So the noise sounds sort of like air would sound passing through a small hole or something. Like a whirring noise, and it's not consistent. It only happens in fifth gear, doesn't matter what speed, rpm, or anything. I don't know if maybe the gear is worn a little bit or something? I don't really know anything (hence the name) so I am lost here. Thanks for any insight.

 

My t5 makes a similar noise. When I had the tranny out to swap the shift forks I saw the problem. The two gears for 5th had several chipped teeth. I have not replaced them but at least I know what to plan for when I rebuild. From speaking with some road race guys I have found that 5th gear is a weak spot on this tranny.

 

Yeah that's sort of what I figured. No big deal for now anyways. Thanks for the reply.