Rover 45 1.8 automatic - noise (from gearbox?)

[phihe]

Hi guys,

my 03 reg Rover 45 (53k miles) developed a whirring noise last week and I fear it has to do with the EM6 CVT auto gearbox as the volume of the noise pretty much aligns to the engine RPM.

When I roll down a hill and go into neutral it seems to realign itself with the speed instead of the RPM.

If I rev up in neutral while standing the noise isn't there.

I've checked the gearbox oil and it is plenty, rosy and clean. I hope that's a good sign.

I've made a small video so you can hear a sample of the noise and see how it aligns with the RPM and the gear change. The video quality is ****e so that the file does not become too big. It's 10MB. You can find it here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?oade39mg1hyhnuc

I hope someone can help me. I don't want my beloved Rover to die yet!

Cheers,
Phil

[Brains]

It may be the bearing inside the box, when they start going, the whine described can be exhibited.

[phihe]

If it was the bearing, what would it take to repair it?

Does it have to repaired or is it just an annoying thing that won't lead to a total failure of the gearbox?

Cheers,
Phil

[Brains]

if the bearing goes, it can seize the shaft inside, however the bearing can be done with the box in the car still. just needs the right person to do it. where are u located?

[phihe]

I am in Bristol.

Does anyone know someone who could do a repair like this around here?
I'd be willing to drive a bit...