BritBoy

Okay, I know the subject of this post sounds stupid, but I'm noticing this repetitive whirring noise that sounds not unlike a bearing going out (mentioned this in a previous post). It's hard to tell where it's coming from, but I don't think it's a bearing as the car is an '03. I hear it mostly at highway speeds (70mph, 3k rpm) where it sounds like it's cycling around 4 times a second. The only other time I hear it is at around 30mph (while cruising or decelerating). In this instance the noise is a little more pronounced.

I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the transmission? I have an automatic (tiptronic) transmission, and when it shifts up through 1st and 2nd it tends to ****** the gear. Then when I come to a stop I have to compensate on the brake pedal as it shifts down into first, slowing the car. It's subtle but noticeable. This could be normal, but worth mentioning I guess. (Another Protege I test drove seemed to shift a little smoother).

Maybe I'm being hyper sensitive, but I wanted to run it by you guys. I have the manufacturer's warranty and a comprehensive warranty from the dealer too. So, if I have to take it in it should be covered! Let me know if you have any ideas.

Thanks in advance.