Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but when i put my 92 bird in reverse, it makes a really weird sound. sounds like metal is scratching against metal or something. kind of a fingers on chalkboard sound almost. really weird and kind of hard to describe. anyways, i took it to a local shop and they had no idea. hope someone can help.

 

Do you have an automatic tranny? If so, maybe it could be related to this:

Q: What's that buzzing/grinding noise at low RPMs?

A: It could be related to this technical service bulletin:

Bulletin #: 277142
Publish Date: 10/92
Models: 1984-1993 Firebirds w/ Hydra-matric 4L60/700R4 Trannys
Condition: buzzing noise from tranny at idle (more so when in reverse)
Cause: pressure regulator valve oscillating due to oil pressure instability at lower idle RPM
Correction: a new pressure reg. valve has been made to improve oil pressure stability at lower RPM (part #8684048)


My '92 RS used to make that buzzing noise similar to what you described. It would really only do it at idle in drive or reverse. The new pressure regulator fixed it, my tranny has been quiet ever since. The new part is only about $20 and was pretty easy to install. If you've ever installed a shift kit you can do this. I can't imagine a shop charging that much to do it, there's really not much more to it than if you were changing your tranny fluid and filter.

 

yeah, thats it. a buzzing noise. and yes its an automatic. i bet that is the freakin' problem. god i love this message board. ill check it out and keep you guys posted. where did you order your part from?

[This message has been edited by jeff (edited December 06, 2000).]

 

I got it from a local Chevy dealer, though any GM parts counter should be able to get it for you.

Also let me clear up a point that I made. It is a little more involved than just a tranny fluid and filter change. You will have to remove the tranny pan to get to it, so you might as well change the fluid and filter at the same time if it has not been done in a while. The pressure regulator is in a vertical hole up under there held in by a snap ring, and is about as big and long as your pinky finger. There are also some other pieces (maybe like 4 or 5 pieces total) and at least one spring. If you remove the snap ring, the spring will cause everything to come flying out, so you have to be careful. It's kinda tricky to put it all back in, too, because the spring is pushing down while you are trying to put the snap ring back on. It will definately try your patience. Depending on your mechanical ability, you may just want a shop to do it, and it should be a breeze for them.

 

Every car I've ever driven makes a whining sound when backing up.

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if its a TSB thats never been perfomed why pay for it? most dealers will fix it for free provided the TSB is still open.. once in awhile you will find a dealer however that will try to bs you so they dont have to fix it.. all they need is your vin number, tsb number, and proof of ownership to tell you if its open or not..

 

If he is having the same problem I had (the TSB problem), the noise is definately not normal. It is fairly loud and more of a buzz, not a whine like gears or normal tranny whine. Also, it only does it in gear and only when idling, give it gas or start moving and it goes away.

 

Do you have aluminum wheels? Try removing the wheel centers and see if this changes anything. It could also be upper strut bearing making a noise as you turn the wheel, they may be rubbing against the front coil springs.

 

Holy back from the dead batman... I think this is a new record