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Need help diagnosing noise when turning at low speeds. Just had the transmission replaced (with rebuilt) and noise began within a few days. So I have concerns that noise may be related to that transmission replacement. There are no issues when car is in neutral, and sound only seems to occur after it has been driven a little while.

It's less metallic sounding than I would think for brake problems (and doesn't occur when applying them)

But it's less hydraulic sounding and there's no squealing that I would associate with steering pump problems (and it doesn't occur when car's in neutral).

It's more of a "groan" and not real loud (yet) It actually kind of makes the same sound I associate wiith overheating. But it's not doing that and the noise goes away when you straighten the wheels.

Maybe some kind of bearing issue? Applying or releasing clutch has no effect, so shouldn't be throwout (I think). Any ideas?

 
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Without hearing it myself, it's hard to say. Have you checked the CV Axle boots? If they're open, they could be running low on grease. CV Axles that have open rubber boots (and have flung out all their grease) can make any noise ranging from a groan, to a grinding noise, to a ticking noise.

 
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they had to remove the axles when doing the trans.
they would be prime suspect (CV joints, i mean, then the bearings)

 
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Yea, it's very possible they got a little ham-handed with them and pulled on them the wrong way... it's so easy to dislodge a CV joint (and bearings) by pulling on them straight out from the transmission by the outer part of the axle, it's not funny. They're just not designed to be pulled like that.

If that's the problem, you basically have two options:

1) Undo the CV boot, inspect the bearings and if they're not hosed from driving around, put them all back in place, reassemble CV joint, repack with grease, put the rubber boot back on and secure it with a new metal band (or a zip-tie will do in a pinch).

2) Just replace the entire CV axle.

I'd just go with #2. They're not terribly expensive and if you've been driving around, the old axle just won't ever be the same. You can probably find good ones from an autorecycler for $40-ish, new ones for $80-ish.

Actually... you should go up to whoever replaced your trans and sarcastically thank them for yanking your CV axles out of joint like a neanderthal and tell them they'll need to buy you a new CV axle (or axles, as the case may be).

 
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thanks for the input. Funny thing.... same shop replaced axles within the past year. Coincidence?