What Causes the Gear Lever to Make Noise When Braking in P Gear on the X-Trail?
2 Answers
The reasons for the gear lever making noise when braking in P gear on the X-Trail are: gear unlocking sound, and not engaging the handbrake. Gear Unlocking Sound: When the driver presses the brake, the P gear unlocks, producing a clicking sound, which is the gear unlocking sound. Not Engaging the Handbrake: If the driver parks the car in P gear without engaging the handbrake and stops on a slope, the vehicle may move forward or backward until the parking pawl locks the car. Once locked, the vehicle's braking relies on the pawl lock. When moving the vehicle from P gear to another gear, the pawl lock is first released, and the noise from the gear lever is the unlocking sound. P Gear: P gear is the most common gear in automatic transmission vehicles, usually located at the front of the gear shift console, ahead of the R gear. Its purpose is to lock the axle when the car is stationary on a slope.
My X-Trail has been driven for over three years, and the abnormal noise from the gear lever when pressing the brake in P mode is commonly caused by wear in the locking mechanism. The X-Trail is designed to unlock the gear lever when the brake is pressed in P mode, and the noise might be due to internal locking pins or connecting rods becoming loose or aging, resulting in increased friction and a creaking sound when the brake is pressed. Poor lubrication or dust accumulation can also worsen the noise. Earlier, at a car club meeting, experienced drivers shared similar issues, suggesting checking for gaps in the gear lever linkage components. Ignoring it could lead to locking mechanism failure, increasing the risk of the car rolling on slopes. I personally experienced the noise getting louder and promptly went to a repair shop to tighten screws and apply lubricant, which solved the problem. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning under the hood, can help reduce such issues. Remember, safety comes first—regular checks can prevent minor faults from turning into major troubles.
