I had my car on jacks yesterday for an oil change and I left the car in gear. I noticed I could move my wheel back and forth a little before I felt and heard the transmission "engage"? Is this play normal? Here's a video I got: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E69...ew?usp=sharing

 

Anyone know? I'm heading off on a road trip in a few weeks so if there's anything wrong I want to take care of it before it leaves me stranded somewhere :(

 

Mine does that. Seems ok.

 

Thank you, that makes me feel better. I'll assume it's normal then, because the car runs great for now. Anyone know why it happens though? Just curious.

 

It's caused by backlash in the gears. When two gears mesh together there is clearance between the mating teeth- it is designed this way on purpose. Without adequate backlash a tolerance stack-up of components (gears, shafts, bearing, transmission housing, etc.) can cause interference between mating gear teeth which increases friction, heat, wear, etc.