What is an indicator of a chipped input gear tooth?

An indicator of a chipped input gear tooth is noise during shifting. When there is damage to the input gear, such as a chipped tooth, it creates uneven surfaces that can lead to increased friction and misalignment when the gears engage. This misalignment often results in audible noises, such as grinding or clunking, especially when the transmission is being shifted between gears.

The other choices, while they may indicate other problems with the vehicle, do not specifically correlate with the condition of the input gear. Abnormal tire wear typically points to alignment or suspension issues; difficulty starting the vehicle usually suggests problems with the ignition or fuel system; and excessive fuel consumption can indicate engine efficiency problems rather than transmission issues. Therefore, the presence of noise during shifting is the most direct and telling sign of a chipped input gear tooth.