I recently purchased a 2002 S2000 with 4500 miles on it. It has a whine possibly in the trans or diff when accellerating between 45 and 65 mph when cruising. It is not noticable above 65mph because of engine and road noise. It is not a loud whine but a consistant noticable noise. Is this normal for an AP1. I have changed the diff oil to amsoil severe gear 75w110 and the trans oil to Honda mtf. Changing the fluids did not change the sound. I took it to Honda of Superstition Springs and the mechanic says it is normal. I just don't think it sounds normal. I also drove an 2005 AP2 and it did not make the noise. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Wow that's some low mileage.

There is always some differential noise, especially in the break-in period under 10k.
I think mine quieted down after 15k or so.

AP1's had this thing with the axle cups getting worn. Swapping left to right usually fixed that but I doubt it would show at such low miles.

Tires and alignment are also big factors in odd noises on S2k's.
Maybe swap in another set of wheels and see if that makes a difference.

 

That tailshaft bearing could be an issue... which is easy to fix... but I would be inclined to think you'd hear it all the time.

 

I would assume that it would have gotten rid of the noise after 4500 miles~ but I also thought that the AP1's always had the "clutch buzz..." though that wouldn't be between 45-65mph.

What kind of tires does it have on there? Do you know if it is a stock flywheel/clutch as well?

 

Have someone with "Seasoned Ears" drive with you. Chances are it's a typical whine. It's an s2000 they are noisy.

 

If you bring it out to the meet tonight, I'll go for a ride with you. I'm pretty sure that throughout my years I've most likely heard the majority of odd S2000 noises. Boof could actually be right with the mileage that low. Could be tires too.

 

Mine has a similar issue. Sounds like a "rrrrrrrrrr" (sine sound wave). It's really effin loud.

Edit: At those MPH's too. Sound gets masked for me around 70-75mph.

 

 

 

1FastS2k. Not able to attend tonights meet. Any chance you will be at the meet in Tempe on Wed at Tempe Market Place? It would be great to get an opinion on this whine. Would be nice to know whether this is normal or not. Thanks to all who responded to this problem. I've heard s2k owners are quick to help fellow owners.