Grinding Noise When Coasting in Gear? [Here’s Why] 

Grinding noises can come from the gears for several reasons. And it is a very important matter to be educated on. 

Not fixing and addressing the problem will be very dangerous for you. And it seems to be a very common problem with cars all around. 

So, why is there grinding noise when coasting in gear?

One of the main issues behind grinding noise when coasting in gear could be because of a transmission problem. But there are also several reasons. For instance, gear system damage, low transmission fluid, torque converter problem, bad driving habits, etc. Damages to the internal transmission can cause this noise as well. 

Although the above reasons are just some of the reasons. Steer into this article to know more about the reasons and some solutions!       

6 Reasons for Your Gears to Be Grinding 

Given below are some reasons why your car has grinding noise when in gear. Be sure to fix this because grinding gears isn’t a good thing. 

Source: longviewautotire.com

Reason 1: Gear System Damage 

Something can go wrong with the gears. The many components that regulate how smoothly they are shifted could also be damaged. These stated causes are the reasons why issues in shifting and grinding noises may arise.

To know if this is the case, thoroughly examine the transmission’s internal components. In this way, you can locate the root issue. 

Reason 2: Low Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid that isn’t properly lubricating the transmission system can also cause gear grinding. You could be running short with transmission fluid. The transmission fluid could also be damaged.

To avoid major transmission damage look after your transmission fluid. Be sure to change and check it from time to time. 

Always try to get good-quality transmission fluids. There are some transmission fluids available on the market that dries up quickly. Avoid using them. 

Instead of using those low-quality transmission fluids, opt for higher-quality ones like the following: 

ACDelco GM Original Equipment 10-9244 Dexron VI Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission FluidGet Now!
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission FluidGet Now!
Castrol 03518 Transmax ATF Green High Mileage Transmission FluidGet Now!

Using these would make your gears work smoother.

Reason 3: Torque Converter Problems

A torque converter and planetary gear system are very efficient for your car. It helps to automatically shift gears while you decelerate and accelerate. There is something wrong with the torque converter if the car grinds as it shifts. 

Additionally, you may hear and feel grinding as you shift into reverse. So, keep an eye out for that as well.

Reason 4: Manual Transmissions 

The clutch system is the most likely source of the problem. Even if CVT transmission clutch systems work on their own. The manual transmission needs to be worked manually. 

A malfunctioning or damaged clutch assembly can cause the gears to grind when shifting. And it’s not uncommon for this to happen. 

Because of the design of the manual transmission. This system makes choosing gear ratios and coordinating them with the engine and wheels easier.

Whenever you shift gears, your transmission’s input and output shafts are paired with the gears. Which results in proper gear ratio adjustment. 

To shift gears, a collar slides over the gear’s end. That collar that collides with the end of the gear makes a grinding sound. This happens because it is spinning at a different rate than the shaft in your transmission. 

To lessen this grinding noise, synchronizing with these speeds, a synchronizer ring is effective. Again, the constant grinding noise could be because of not enough transmission fluid. 

Also, transmission could be the reason why there is a grinding noise when accelerating. 

Reason 5: Bad Driving Habits

Grinding gear being the driver’s fault does not rule out. It is normal for drivers to grind the gears of transmission vehicles sometimes. However, doing it constantly will cause gear sounds. 

Aggressive shifts, crazy driving, or heavy loads; these things will damage your car. Damage to the clutch and transmission can result from this process.

Its important to always be mindful of driving mistakes. Some of the driving mistakes you may be making have been described in this video by Viral vehicles-

Make sure to not make these mistakes while driving again.

Reason 6: Other Damage to The Internal Transmission System

Transmission problems can be caused by other internal transmission systems. These can be discovered during an internal inspection. Speak with a transmission specialist to figure out what’s wrong and what is wrong. 

It’s recommended to give a full custom rebuild rather than changing one or two damaged parts. 

The above things are some of the reasons for grinding noises. There could be other unknown reasons. If it is extremely hard to detect it’s better to take your car to a workshop. 

Source: allautomatictransmission.com

However, the simplest things could cause grinding noise when driving straight. Could be a pebble stuck in the brakes. 

If your car makes grinding noise when going uphill. Here the engine mount is probably the problem.  

A worn-out CV joint is a reason for car making grinding noise when parked. 

Ways to Fix the Grinding Noise

You can check your brakes by using a gauge. The green side indicates a new brake pad. And it moves on to the red which indicates a worn-out brake pad. 

Also, emergency brakes are important. If you see after a brake job emergency brakes aren’t working get them fixed. 

The green side of the gauge starts with being thick. Which then moves to a much thicker and red side. 

You insert the gauge between the caliper and the bracket. And by this, you measure how much brake lining is left. 

If you see that you can move the gauge freely between the two things. Then keep putting the others in until you can’t move the gauge anymore. The one on which the gauge is stuck is the condition of your brake pad.

If you have grease all over the place it could be because of the axel. If the rotors are worn out grinding noise can occur. To fix it you should replace the old one with a new one.   

To get the rotors off first remove the caliper bracket. Remove the 16 mm bolts. To finish taking the roader off remove the head bolt. 

The best way to remove the head bolt is a drive impact screwdriver. Below we’ve given some of the best drive impact screwdrivers which will make your job easier-

DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set, Impact Ready, FlexTorqGet Now!
BOSCH 44 Piece Impact Tough Screwdriving Custom Case System SetGet Now!

Hope these screwdrivers don’t screw you over!

After pushing the screwdriver on it, hit it one time with a hammer. And while doing the whole procedure turn the screw counterclockwise. 

After removing the things the rotors will come right off. Then you’ll be able to see your emergency brakes. Clean the emergency brake. 

Then put on the new roader. Make sure when you put the roader on you line up the roader to where the lock bolt goes. Do not forget to put it on properly as carelessness will cause problems if it comes out. 

Source: axleaddict.com

After putting the rotor on, put the caliper and bracket on. Before putting the brake pads on, take caliper grease and lube everywhere the brake pad touches. Then get your wrench and put it on the caliper slide.

Then use a drive impact to slowly tighten it up. After installing take a little bit of brake clean and clean the roader one more time. 

Not changing the brake pad could cause grinding noise when driving at low speed.     

Remember to not make mistakes while doing brake jobs

FAQs

Given below are some questions related to what you’re going through-

Why is there grinding noise in my gearbox?

A grinding sound occurs when the collar collides with the end of the gear at a different speed than the transmission shaft. A synchronizer ring is utilised to effectively match these speeds.

Why is my car making a grinding noise when I drive slow?

Your car is making grinding noise while driving slow might have many reasons behind it.  These can be – problems with continual velocity joints. Faulty brake pads. Issues with wheel bearings or alternator.

Is grinding gears a bad thing?

A little grinding of the gears is fine, but too much isn’t good. You must check your gearbox before it gets out of hand. Make sure to check with a mechanic.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve figured out why grinding noise when coasting in gear is occurring. It’s very important to know why your car is making such a noise. And it’s usually best to take your car to a professional. 

Because not fixing this problem properly could be dangerous for you and others on the road.   

Robert Lozano

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