Gear Noise when steering in reverse

[redtag Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close redtag]

Good morning. I have a definite "gear noise" when steering in reverse, as when backing into a parking spot or backing my trailer. I have been told that this is normal for my 90 series 3 litre Auto, but the noise worries me. Can anyone shed some light on this situation.

Thanks in anticipation

Redtag.

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

How bad /loud is it??

All modern passenger vehicles are noiser in reverse than forward.

The gears in the drive train are bevel cut in such a way to reduce noise while travelling forward to improve NVH.

You should go for a drive in something with straight cut gears in the box :shock:

Steering input is loading the drive train and this is what you are most likely hearing.

Mick

[redtag Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close redtag]

Thanks Mick.

The noise is fairly noticeable, only when reversing very slowly, as in backing a trailer and only when turning the steering wheel. Some of my fishing mates will not ride in my car, they reckon the wheels are going to fall off. I bought the car 14 months ago with 80 k on the odometer. It has been immaculately serviced and maintained and looked like a new vehicle.

I had been told from someone (can't remember who) that this model ('02 Prado 95 GXL) is prone to this particular noise, especially in low 4 and reversing a caravan. With a background in engineering, I need to know more.

Regards

Redtag.

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

especially in low 4 and reversing a caravan

Not doing this on hard surfaces are you? :shock: That would explain some noises!!

Mick

[redtag Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close redtag]

especially in low 4 and reversing a caravan

Not doing this on hard surfaces are you? :shock: That would explain some noises!!

Mick

Yes Mick, most of the times I've noticed the noise it has been on paved surfaces. I guess, all I need is the reassurance that his is normal and not a dire problem with my otherwise beautiful car.

[Guest Close Guest]

You should go for a drive in something with straight cut gears in the box :shock:

hehehe yeah, bring earplugs if it has a 1 thru 5 straight cut set! LOL

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Yes Mick, most of the times I've noticed the noise it has been on paved surfaces. I guess, all I need is the reassurance that his is normal and not a dire problem with my otherwise beautiful car.

Redtag,
:!: :!: :!:
You can't use your Prado on paved/sealed/hard surfaces in low range as the centre diff is locked (Or in high range with the centre diff locked for that matter) :!: :!:

The center diff is a feature of AWD's like the Prado. It allows the front and rear wheels to travel at different speeds when cornering.

With the center diff LOCKED the differences in travel of the front and rear wheels (When turning) are causing huge mechanical stresses in your drive train that need to escape.

This mechanical stress is called drive train wind up.

Off road or on low traction surfaces these stresses can escape through wheel slip or spin.

On hard surfaces/high traction surfaces these stresses keep building up
and cannot escape. The resulting drive train wind up can stop a vehicle dead, break something or at the very least cause excessive wear on you drive train (gearbox, transfer case, diffs, CV's)

You need to read your owners manual!! and/or get some instuction on the use of the Prado transfer case ASAP before you damage something.

Mick

[redtag Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close redtag]

Thanks Mick, that may be an explanation. I haven't travelled under those circumstances, (low 4 on paved surfaces) but the memory of what the "someone" told me was that this could occur in reverse in low 4 in this vehicle.

I have experienced the noise personally in high 2, reversing on paved surfaces,always when the speed is very low. If I reverse at higher speed up the road, the noise cannot be heard.

I will talk to my motor-mech friend and see what he hs to say. If you don't mind, and he can offer a solution, I will let you know what I find out.

Thanks again.

Redtag.