Reverse Idler 02K311501A

Image is an example only, BRAND MAY VARY

A reverse idler is an important component of a car's transmission system. It is responsible for engaging and disengaging the gears when a car moves in a reverse direction. The reverse idler gear is located between the reverse gear and the countershaft, and its teeth are slightly smaller than the countershaft gear. When the driver shifts into reverse, the reverse idler gear rotates and meshes with both the reverse gear and the countershaft gear. This results in the countershaft and the reverse gear rotating in opposite directions, which causes the car to move backwards.

The reverse idler is designed to prevent gear clash, which can occur when the gears do not engage smoothly. It achieves this by maintaining a slight amount of pressure on the gears, ensuring that they are fully engaged before the car starts moving backwards. This helps to reduce wear and tear on the gears and prolongs the life of the transmission system. Without the reverse idler, the gears would clash and grind against each other, causing damage to the transmission and making it difficult or impossible to move the car in reverse.