clunk in drivetrain
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Oh
clunk in drivetrain
I have a 2003 6 speed that has a noticeable "clunk" in the drive train when I go from reverse to 1st gear or vice versa. It also happens is 1st gear, when moving at a slow speed and letting off the gas, or accelerating. The local dealership says this is normal, and there is a service bulletin out on this same thing. Has anyone else had this same problem with a 2003? I can't believe this is normal.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
I have a 2003 6 speed that has a noticeable "clunk" in the drive train when I go from reverse to 1st gear or vice versa. It also happens is 1st gear, when moving at a slow speed and letting off the gas, or accelerating. The local dealership says this is normal, and there is a service bulletin out on this same thing. Has anyone else had this same problem with a 2003? I can't believe this is normal.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Definitely not normal ! About all you can do is get the car on a lift and start checking every part of the suspension and driveline. Check for worn A arm bushings, torque on all fasteners, sway bar bushings, shock bushings, etc. Check CV joints on each axle. Check motor, tranny and differential mounts. If all that is OK, it might be the drive shaft bushings. Dealer tech is full of 
they were not willing to spend the time to properly diagnose the problem, it cound take a couple of hours time to go through everything properly.
they were not willing to spend the time to properly diagnose the problem, it cound take a couple of hours time to go through everything properly.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Oh
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
- As mentioned in the earlier post, loose axle shaft retainer nut.
- Bad output shaft constant velocity joint or joints.
- Not very likely, but something in the differential.
What it isn’t likely to be:
- Propshaft couplers, the propshaft on the automatic is rotating any time the engine is running.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I had a similar "clunk" on my 2000 Vette. It sounded external. Everything checked out ok on the drivetrain. It ended up being the plastic mounts on the rear sway bar. Cheap fix. ( $30 bucks each at O'Reileys - plus they are the updated all metal ones)
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 670
Likes: 25
From: Atlanta Georgia
