I own a '99 Maxima SE that has recently started making a really unpleasant whining sound when the car is reversing. No noise occurs until the car actually starts moving backwards and does not go away when the brakes are applied. It's quiet at first, then quickly gets louder and the pitch remains constant. My first thought was that it could be a brake wear indicator, but why would it only make the noise in reverse and without applying the brakes?

If anyone can shed some light on what could be causing this, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

Are you turning the wheel at all while in reverse? Do you notice it at slow speeds or high speeds? Do you notice it at all while going slowly forward in 1st gear? Does the sound go away after you stop moving?

 

You're probably just hearing the straight cut gears on the reverse gear.

 

Sorry - I should have clarified a few things.

The noise is clearly coming from the back of the car, so it isn't anything related to the transmission. It happens only when the car is in reverse and is moving backwards. It sounds like metal against metal, which is what led me to originally believe it to be a brake wear sensor.

I'm at a loss at this point. I haven't reached out to my mechanic, but I'm almost to that point. I'll likely change the rear pads anyway, since they are probably about due for a change.

 

YEa I get the same noise when I put my car in reverse (5spd) when I start moving it makes like a loud hollow sound my friend said it might be the clutch in reverse is worn but idk anybody can help me out

 

Mine does that too

 

Inspect your rear brakes.
Some noise is normal, mine makes the same noise in reverse, so did my BMW.
Worse after it rains or after I wash the car due to residual surface rust on the rotors.

 

check the sheild looking things near the rotor area.

 

common for these cars to get frozen rear calipers...

 

word. I gots one. My friend has one too.

 

That's exactly what happened to me. I let mine make that screeching sound for three months until they froze up in the winter. I guess it was a warning sign that I didn't take into consideration. sooo...def check your calipers.

 

Dont forget the reverse gear is really small and makes a high pitched noise in any car. If you know what noise im takling about and thats not it then I have no clue, but just an FYI in case.

 

Hmmm... Mine makes the same noise, but a couple of people I know claim that it is the flywheel. Also, reverse is a really small gear, so it would make a whirring noise. But you say it sounds like metal on metal? Your rear brakes might be touching the rotor. Sometimes there is a little bit of overspray of paint on the side of the actual brake pad when the manufacturer galvanized the metal on the pads.... there might be a little paint chip rubbing on the rotor and that might cause a little metal squeal. If all else fails... either adjust your brakes or check your trans...