Nissan Repair: Pathfinder Transmission, ball bearings, torque converter

Question
I have a new-to-me 1997 Pathfinder with 170000+ miles on it. I have not yet switched to manual locking hubs.The vehicle was not in 4x4. In a short fit of rage, I squealed my tires going up the drive this morning. 25 feet later, the tranny (could be anywhere under the car) sounds like it has thousands of loose ball bearings rattling around inside. The rattling noises were accompanied by matching vibrations in the steering wheel. So I drove the less-fun car to work. I haven't had a chance to examine anything yet, any idea what damage I could have done? Would an apology fix the situation?

Thanks,
David

Answer
David,

The torque converter could have blown and that would cause the noise you describe.  Now, that is in park or drive, not moving.  If the noise is only while you are running down the road you could have a bad universal joint.  The only way to know for sure is to get it up on a lift and see what is making the noise.  Email me back and let me know if it makes noise while parked or when driving.