Clunk or Thud noise
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
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From: Santa Maria CA
Clunk or Thud noise
When letting the clutch out and starting in 1st gear I occasionally hear a clunk or thud which seems to be coming from directly under the car maybe more towards the driver side. At first I thought it was the differential but it does not seem to be that far back, nor does it seem to be from a wheel. I don't feel anything in the clutch which is working fine. The noise happens when the clutch is almost fully released and the car is starting to move. I have not noticed it when accelerating in other gears. Any ideas? 2002 6 speed vert, 65k.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 590
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From: Hanover Maryland
I would check your axle nuts. Take them off, lube the splines and retorque to spec. Had exact same issue when I first got my car. Sitting tends to allow corrison build up.
Do you feel it in the floor?
Do you feel it in the floor?
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
Likes: 26
From: Santa Maria CA
I am not sure but it does sometimes seem like I can feel it in the floor. Is that consistent with the axle nut issue?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 134
From: Hanover Maryland
Either way, axle nuts are extremely easy to lube up. You need a 33 or 34MM socket and a breaker bar. Car doesn't need to be lifted, remove wheel caps spin the nuts off, hit the splines on the shaft and the hub with a liberal amount of lube. If you're feeling motivated, you can lift the rear and spray the back of the hub where the shaft meets aswell. Torque spec is 160lb ft. Its not always an immediate fix, lube needs a bit of time to work. I used chain lube for motorcycle/bike chains. Very sticky and tacky stuff, very weather resistant. Some replace the nuts aswell. Loctite is another good idea when you tighten that nut.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
Likes: 26
From: Santa Maria CA
Not specifically. I did feel mine a bit through the floor. The key to me is right as you clutch up you hear it. That's the moment torque is applied to the wheel. Granted that's when the rest of the drivetrain loads up too.
Either way, axle nuts are extremely easy to lube up. You need a 33 or 34MM socket and a breaker bar. Car doesn't need to be lifted, remove wheel caps spin the nuts off, hit the splines on the shaft and the hub with a liberal amount of lube. If you're feeling motivated, you can lift the rear and spray the back of the hub where the shaft meets aswell. Torque spec is 160lb ft. Its not always an immediate fix, lube needs a bit of time to work. I used chain lube for motorcycle/bike chains. Very sticky and tacky stuff, very weather resistant. Some replace the nuts aswell. Loctite is another good idea when you tighten that nut.
Either way, axle nuts are extremely easy to lube up. You need a 33 or 34MM socket and a breaker bar. Car doesn't need to be lifted, remove wheel caps spin the nuts off, hit the splines on the shaft and the hub with a liberal amount of lube. If you're feeling motivated, you can lift the rear and spray the back of the hub where the shaft meets aswell. Torque spec is 160lb ft. Its not always an immediate fix, lube needs a bit of time to work. I used chain lube for motorcycle/bike chains. Very sticky and tacky stuff, very weather resistant. Some replace the nuts aswell. Loctite is another good idea when you tighten that nut.
