Automatic clunk
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Park Texas USA
Automatic clunk
Haven't posted for a while, but I have a question. I have a 91 automatic with 27,000 miles on it. Sometimes when I am slowing to a stop, when the trans shifts down to 1st there is a very audible "clunk", and you can feel it. This happens maybe once or twice a month. (Its a daily driver). Should I be worried? :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,740
Likes: 76
From: Bloomington IL
Re: Automatic clunk (91TurqC4)
I wouldn't be too worried about it. My 91 does the same thing and others on the forum have said that theirs do too. In fact, my 93 Z/28 did the same thing. I've had both cars checked out (I was thinking u-joints) and was told that nothing was wrong.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 27,818
Likes: 8
From: CT
Re: Automatic clunk (91Vette)
I've had John G 92's '87 Car a time or two(Going to a show so He could have both cars there) And it is un-touched 700R4....and it clunks when downshifting like my '90 coupe does. I think they all downshift firmly. Nothing to worry about.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: Automatic clunk (91TurqC4)
Mine does too, for a while. But, an year ago my front tranny seal broke, spilling fluid all over Rt.80! Besides old age, my take on this is that the transmission moves around, and the clunking just comes from a wee bit more distance between the converter and the trans due to old age. Sooner or later, new seals will be needed... Well, unless I'm wrong and talking outta my caboose! :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 2
From: Clever, MO aka SOMO
Re: Automatic clunk (91TurqC4)
My '88 only does it when I'm in the "D" position. If it's in "OD" or 2nd, it's silky quiet!! It's just some driveline slack. My tranny was rebuilt about 55K miles ago. I'm at 161,000 now!!! Yikes!!!!!
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Automatic clunk (91TurqC4)
There was a TSB issued by GM when these cars were new about the clunk. It was not really a problem but many owners didn't think their new $40,000, state of the art, sportscar should go clunk.
Mine does it but it doesn't bother me since I know the whole story.
Mine does it but it doesn't bother me since I know the whole story.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Baldwinsville NY
Re: Automatic clunk (CoolVette86)
I don't think age has anything to do with it coolvette86, but I may be wrong, just personal experience. I first heard that clunk when I bought my then 2 year old 84 as the salesman backed it out of the garage on delivery. I thought....oh noooooooo, I bought a lemon, but he said it was normal and it has been doing it on and off for the entire 16 years I've owned it.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12,182
Likes: 1
From: Partying with the Cowboys cheerleaders in Mt. Olive, New Jersey
Re: Automatic clunk (84number2083)
I don't think age has anything to do with it coolvette86, but I may be wrong, just personal experience. I first heard that clunk when I bought my then 2 year old 84 as the salesman backed it out of the garage on delivery. I thought....oh noooooooo, I bought a lemon, but he said it was normal and it has been doing it on and off for the entire 16 years I've owned it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: Automatic clunk (91TurqC4)
Mine also. Had all the u joints checked at first. No problem found. From all the posts, I have to say it is inherent in the tranny/ u joint combo. Of course, it feels much better to see others have the "clunk" and are not worried. The solidarty of numbers. :yesnod: