What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Shifting to Neutral?

2 Answers
VanBraxton
07/25/25 8:24am
The reasons for abnormal noise after shifting to neutral are as follows: Wear and damage of bearings: When bearings wear out, the gap increases, and the fitting accuracy decreases. When bearings are damaged, they cannot operate normally, resulting in abnormal noise and even causing damage to the transmission components, leading to further malfunctions. This can be caused by the wear of transmission components or the use of replacement parts with excessively low precision, such as worn gears or new gears with too large a fitting gap compared to the original gears. Insufficient lubrication due to inadequate or overly viscous lubricating oil: In this case, the corresponding lubricating oil (grease) should be replaced; otherwise, it will accelerate the wear of the transmission and shorten its service life. Loose bolts on the transmission housing (end cover): Vibrations during use can loosen the bolts, so regular inspections should be conducted.
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LaOlivia
08/10/25 6:54pm
After shifting into neutral, I've heard strange noises several times over the years of driving. I think it's most likely related to the transmission. When in neutral, the engine is still running but the power isn't being transmitted. If the bearings in the transmission are worn or the gear clearance is too large, it's easy to produce a buzzing sound. For manual transmission cars, it could be loose clutch springs making a clicking noise in the neutral position. Additionally, checking the transmission fluid is particularly important - low or dirty fluid reduces lubrication and makes noise more noticeable. Worn transmission shaft bushings or loose engine mounts might also transmit abnormal sounds during vibration. Ignoring these sounds could lead to failure to engage gears or more serious malfunctions, so I recommend stopping immediately for self-inspection or going directly to a professional shop for diagnosis to avoid excessive road risks. Driving gently to reduce wear is also a solution - avoid frequent sudden starts and stops.
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