Hello,
I have not had my car long and was wondering the following question, I have a 1998 Maxima with a 5-Speed. This is my first 5 speed so this is why I am curious as to whter it may be me. The question I had is when I drive in reverse say backing down a road or what not the noise is a louder type of whine. i tried the same with my Mothers 1998 Infinity ( Auto) and there was not one at all. I was just looking to see if this was normal in either the max or 5 speeds and if not what? I am hoping it is normal or just me though.

Thanks
SuDZ

 

a) you have brake dust problem.. in that case wash it off
b) your rear brake pads are worn

 

that's normal dude, pretty much every 5-speed does that, don't worry about it, it's annoying, that's all it is, just blast music while you're backing up

 

It is entirely normal.

 

It's 100% normal. It's becuase reverse gear is only engaged when stopped(it better be!) and it's only used for low speeds. Thus I believe the gear is not synchromeshed and I think the gear is not as prcecisly cut?? If the gears don't mesh(gear to gear contact) nice and good, it results in whine. That's why when your main shaft suport bearings wear, you will tend to hear a whine in certain gears. The worn bearings allow the shaft to move up/down and that affects the contact angle on some of the gears.

 

The whine comes from the straight cut gears that are typically used for reverse. Helical gears are used in the forward gears. The straight cut reverse gear is much less expensive and entirely acceptable due to it's relatively infrequent use.

Have a nice day

 

For reference, automatic Hondas also make this noise, but other automatics don't. Odd.

 

my brother 98 Integra (Auto) does this, my sisters 90 Accord (Auto) does this.

 

Thanks to all of you who gave me a reply on this. Glad to see it is totally normal.

SuDZ