What Causes the Clicking Sound When Shifting into Reverse Gear?
1 Answers
Transmission Structural Design: The reverse gears in automotive transmissions are generally straight-cut spur gears. This type of gear inherently produces a 'clicking' sound upon engagement due to direct collision during meshing. Although most gears in manual transmissions are helical gears, which require gradual engagement unlike spur gears that can mesh directly, all three reverse gears are designed as straight-cut spur gears. Improper Operation: Another common cause of the 'clicking' sound when shifting into reverse during daily driving is improper operation. Unlike forward gears, reverse gears in most vehicle transmissions lack synchronizers. This necessitates that the vehicle must be completely stationary, and the clutch must be fully depressed for a few seconds before engaging reverse gear. Failure to do so will result in pronounced gear grinding noises and accelerate transmission gear wear.