It is never pleasant to perceive a sound on your vehicle that you don’t know where it comes from. You may be thinking what to do when you identify a reversing gear noise that persists on your Tesla Model X? Any gearbox trouble can be severe, but before making sure, it is better to do a few checks. Our team has written this paper to support you eliminate it. First, we will see what the origins and the different gearbox noises can be on Tesla Model X, and second, what are the solutions available to you.reverse-gear-noise-tesla-model-x

Classical reverse Tesla Model X noises and some tips to protect your gearbox

Why does the reversing of my Tesla Model X make a different noise from my other speeds?

De facto, integrating all gears, bearings and pinions into a gearbox is a difficult process. The sound induced by the reversing of your Tesla Model X is logical. It can be explained in a fairly simple way. Indeed, 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 less strong than with spur gears chosen for the reverse gear.

Tips to limit wear on your clutch and gearbox

  • Don’t give a big boost:
    Indeed, if you kick the throttle hard when you are in reverse or when you put the vehicle in the revs, you risk to burn your clutch or gnawing at the gearbox pinions.

  • Never reverse while the vehicle is in motion or vice versa:
    Reversing the direction of operation of the gearbox during operation is a very bad plan. Indeed, the pressure you will exert on the gears will be monumental and you will create a premature wear and tear of the gears. You can even break the gears of your gearbox at speed by doing so. It will therefore be completely common if you listen to a reverse noise on your Tesla Model X if you shift gear under these conditions.

Several Tesla Model X reversing noises and their origins

Finally in this section, we will move on to what you are probably most excited about in this content, to learn about the source of reversing noise on Tesla Model X. Here are the 3 typical sounds you may be victim of.

I hear a grinding noise when starting in reverse gear

If you perceive a grinding noise when you start in reverse with your Tesla Model X, 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 made by the gearbox are higher and it is therefore plausible that due to their wear the silentblocks no longer absorb the engine vibrations well. In this case, do not hesitate to check this article for more information about strut mount noises on Tesla Model X.

An increased reverse knocking noise on Tesla Model XX

If you are subject to a knocking noise when you are in reverse with your Tesla Model X and this noise tends to increase as you gain speed. It is plausible that you are confronting a serious trouble that needs to be solved very fast before wrecking your entire gearbox. Indeed, an intensifying rattling noise means that the gears are damaged. If they are, debris will propagate to the rest of the box and damage other gears in short order. Take your vehicle to your mechanic quickly or check out this document about gearbox noise on Tesla Model X for more details.

I perceive a noise when I go in reverse

Listening a noise when you shift into reverse is normal and connected to the gears and sprockets used in the gearbox. If, on the other hand, you have the feeling that your Tesla Model X reverse gear makes more noise than before, it is plausible that filings have been made and are moving around in it. It is therefore time to empty the box.