Clunking noise when changing torque

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Nov 5, 2015 | 06:29 PM

old Rip

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From: Blackfoot Idaho

Clunking noise when changing torque

03 convertible has a clunking sound in rear when driveline changes torque. I originally hoped it might be CV joints but putting it on a hoist and checking those proved fruitless. It did sound like it might be inside the transaxle. We could hear it easily be moving the tires back and forth.
It sounds like lash that is getting more pronounced.
I took it to my local Chev dealer and they found a bulletin sent out from GM ( Document 2006867 ) (#PIP3896) that basically says that this clunking is normal when the vehicle is equipped with the Tremec 6-speed Manual Transmission. The document calls it normal torque reversal.
I am wondering if anyone else had this noise on their 6-speed and has resolved it. It doesn't sound like a normal thing to me, it bugs the hell out of me!
Any ideas?

Nov 5, 2015 | 11:30 PM

striper

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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Try loosening your rear axle nuts, tapping back the axles and greasing the splines, retorque the nuts. There is a good chance this will fix it. Sounds similar to mine and it worked.

Nov 6, 2015 | 07:51 AM

Cybermind

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Quote:

Originally Posted by striper

Try loosening your rear axle nuts, tapping back the axles and greasing the splines, retorque the nuts. There is a good chance this will fix it. Sounds similar to mine and it worked.

Some backlash is normal with 6-speeds but there shouldn't be any significant noise associated with it. If there is a clunking noise, it's normally your rear axle splines.

Last edited by Cybermind; Nov 6, 2015 at 07:52 AM.

Nov 6, 2015 | 07:39 PM

old Rip

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From: Blackfoot Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by striper

Try loosening your rear axle nuts, tapping back the axles and greasing the splines, retorque the nuts. There is a good chance this will fix it. Sounds similar to mine and it worked.

I saw a thread earlier that addressed this but it seemed like a dissimilar problem. I Think I know how to do this and I will try it, sounds like it is too good to be true. I am thinking about using the chainlube method!

Thanks so much for the response!

Nov 6, 2015 | 07:43 PM

old Rip

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From: Blackfoot Idaho

I see that others have had a similar problem now, so I am feeling more comfortable now!
Thanks Striper and Cybermind!

Nov 9, 2015 | 09:54 AM

SaberD

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From: Rochester Hills MI

new engine and transmission mounts will drastically reduce the backlash.

Nov 10, 2015 | 06:57 PM

old Rip

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From: Blackfoot Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaberD

new engine and transmission mounts will drastically reduce the backlash.

I will try the greased axle splines first. I will be putting it on a hoist, and while I have it up there, will check the mounts!
Thanks for the direction.

Jun 4, 2024 | 10:49 AM

03BlackVert

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From: Perrysburg, Ohio

03 z06 drivetrain backlash FIXED - Thx Forum

Quote:

Originally Posted by striper

Try loosening your rear axle nuts, tapping back the axles and greasing the splines, retorque the nuts. There is a good chance this will fix it. Sounds similar to mine and it worked.

Took real wheels off this morning to check on axle nuts. Found them to be tight but certainly under recommended torque. Tighened them up and BACKLASH IS GONE. I've got a big smile on my face today, and certainly want to thank all of the help this forum has to offer. There are some really smart C5 owners here - THANKS