It is never pleasing to discover a sound on your automobile that you don’t know where it comes from. You may be thinking what to do when you identify a reversing gear noise that remains on your Opel Zafira? Any gearbox issue can be critical, but before making sure, it is better to do a few inspections. Our team has written this content page to help you solve it. First, we will see what the sources and the different gearbox noises can be on Opel Zafira, and second, what are the solutions available to you.
Classical reverse Opel Zafira noises and some tips to preserve your gearbox
Why does the reversing of my Opel Zafira make a different noise from my other speeds?
De facto, adding all gears, bearings and pinions into a gearbox is a difficult exercise. The sound made by the reversing of your Opel Zafira is logical. It can be explained in a fairly simple way. In fact, the gears used for conventional speeds (1st to 5th or 6th) are so-called “helical” gears (oblique gears) . The use of such a pinion makes the noise caused by the gears much less important than with spur gears used for the reverse gear.
Tips to limit wear on your clutch and gearbox
- Don’t give a big boost:
In fact, if you kick the throttle hard when you are in reverse or when you put the automobile in the revs, you risk to burn your clutch or gnawing at the gearbox pinions. - Never reverse while the automobile is in motion or vice versa:
Reversing the direction of operation of the gearbox during operation is a very bad choice. In fact, the pressure you will apply on the gears will be enormous and you will make a premature wear and tear of the gears. You can even destroy the gears of your gearbox at speed by doing so. It will therefore be completely usual if you hear a reverse noise on your Opel Zafira if you shift gear under these conditions.
Diverse Opel Zafira reversing noises and their origins
Finally in this section, we will move on to what you are probably most curious about in this page, to learn about the cause of reversing noise on Opel Zafira. Here are the 3 typical sounds you may be victim of.
I notice a grinding noise when starting in reverse gear
If you discover a grinding noise when you start in reverse with your Opel Zafira, it may be the engine mounts that are tired. In fact, when the engine is in reverse gear, due to the pinions we saw above the vibrations produced by the gearbox are higher and it is therefore possible that due to their wear the silentblocks no longer absorb the engine vibrations well. In this case, do not hesitate to read this content for more info about strut mount noises on Opel Zafira.
An increased reverse knocking noise on Opel ZafiraX
If you are subject to a knocking noise when you are in reverse with your Opel Zafira and this noise tends to build up as you gain speed. It is possible that you are going through a serious issue that needs to be fixed as soon as possible before destroying your entire gearbox. In fact, an intensifying rattling noise means that the gears are damaged. If they are, debris will spread to the rest of the box and damage other gears before long. Take your automobile to your mechanic quickly or browse this article about gearbox noise on Opel Zafira for more information.
I acknowledge a noise when I go in reverse
Listening a noise when you shift into reverse is normal and linked to the gears and sprockets used in the gearbox. If, on the other hand, you have the feeling that your Opel Zafira reverse gear makes more noise than before, it is possible that filings have been made and are moving around in it. It is therefore time to empty the box.
