Noise in front/engine compartment of 2007 Sienna

[mdh157]

Yesterday our 07 sienna started making a noise in the front end - not sure if it is the front end or internal (sounds like maybe the transmission). it is not there while the car is stationary but starts once you get moving. It sounds like a baby's rattle, very noticeable in 3-4th gear but totally disappears in 5th gear, you can literally hear the change to silence when the car shifts, which is why I think it is something in the transmission. Shifting, however, seems to be ok, it may be a bit late going into 5th sometimes but i haven't driven it long enough to know for sure. You can also sometimes hear it as it reappears as you are slowing to a stop.

Scheduled to go into the shop tomorrow and i'm not optimistic about what they are going to say as the car is 2,000 miles past the warranty (but whats else is new, right?). I told my wife her love affair with the Toyotas may be coming to an end. Any thoughts, suggestions, etc?

Thank you.

[mdh157]

Just found out it is the tranny......it has to be replaced. Waiting on the adjuster from the warr company (got an extended warr as it was a toyota cert used vehicle, which i was not even aware of, but i'm not complaining), and as long as the adjuster doesn't flag it (on a very expensive repair the adjuster has to discuss with the dealer and inspect the car to make sure thsi isn't a result of crash damage) I will only be liable for a $50 deductible. If he/she flags it, I'm screwed with the whole thing. So i still have something to worry about as it's not set in stone.