Clunking noise when putting in D or R

[clean96GST]

Ok so my FWD is an automatic (planning on doing swap later on) and when i put it into any gear it makes a clunking noise from the front end....anyone know what it is?

 

[98GSXtreme07]

Is it a "clunking" noise or is this sound kind of like a "popping" type of noise? If its the 2nd one than its mre than likely just your solenoids for whenever you put it in gear. My last 2 Eclipses did it. Now if its the 1st one does it sound like a grind or does it jump or anything out of the ordinary, besides the noise?

 

[clean96GST]

Haha why does describing noises have to be so hard? There is no grinding but it kind of jumps forward (or back if its in R) when it happens.

 

[98GSXtreme07]

Yea I know what you mean, that's why I asked if it might have sounded diferent than your describing. But anywho...hmmm... I mean mine kind of jumps forward when I put it into drive but... Do you have a shift kit or anything done to the tanny? Also, is there any performance issues or anything? Does it seem to shift fine going from 1st to 2nd etc. ?

 

[clean96GST]

Honestly I think the guy before me did something to the tranny when i'm on the floor it shifts way too high...but it goes from 1st to 2nd good....Its pretty much like if you were to rev it to like 2 then put it into drive thats the best way I can describe it.

 

[98GSXtreme07]

Now I know whenever you put a shift kit in it jumps when you put it into gear because of the spring you put in. Usually, the black one from the kit makes it do this. Anyway. Does it drive ok and everything besides the "clunk" your hearing?

 

[clean96GST]

Yeah but it never made the noise when i got it.. and some times when i let off i hear it. How can i check if there is a shift kit?

 

[98GSXtreme07]

Hate to tell you but I guess you would have to take off the tranny fluid pan and than the valve body and take a gander at the valve body. I'm now starting to think this isn't the case though. Maybe someone else can join in and help out. I guess the first thing to do is maybe go ahead and change the tanny fluid, filter, and gasket since I'm sure it is past due. Than go from there. I wish I could be of more help but I'am no transmission expert.

 

[clean96GST]

Haha well your an expert compared to me, thanks for your help!

 

[91tizzy]

Mine does kind of what your describing on occation but not that extreme...honestly if its tolerable and your tranny fluid is in good shape ( might wanna change it anyway) there is no sense in worrying about it. The auto's in these cars are pretty dam beefy (well the turbo transmission anyway) Just drive the car....if it is a problem it will become a bigger one eventually down the road and there isnt much you can do about it anyway unless you drop the transmission...my question to you is....is this clunk you are hearing worth pulling your transmission for a rebuild? My guess is no

Also check the motor and tranny mounts to see if there in decent shape

 

[clean96GST]

Ok thanks a lot... and how can i tell if a motor mount is bad?

 

[91tizzy]

well what I would do aside from a visual inspection (look for anything out of the ordinary...rubber where it shouldnt be etc) Have a friend get in the car while you watch the motor from the outside and have him change gears from park to drive to reverse etc( of course with the e-brake on and him standing on the brakes so you dont get run over)...there should be minimal movement and if its excessive then thats your problem

 

[clean96GST]

Awesome thanks... and how hard are motor mounts to replace? I saw some polyurethane ones and was thinking about getting them?

 

[91tizzy]

not difficult at all...just make sure you have a haynes or some sort of manual and use a block of wood with a jack to keep the motor/tranny supported while changing them....poly mounts would be more of a waste of money and slight overkill with the auto trans unless your runnin highboost and a high stall with awd....even then I dont think they are necessary....but if you choose to go that route then

 

[JMGSX]

Had a noise like that on a different make of car. Thought it was motor or tranny mounts but it ended up being a CV joint. Maybe worth checking that as well.

 

[STI2TALON]

not a dsm tranny, but my cousins saturn was doing the same thing. We changed the fluid and filter (which had all kinds of gunk clogging up the mesh screen) and gasket and it shifted quite well afterwards

 

[Blindsey]

I have an Auto AWD. Sounds like a motor mount to me. When shifting from 1st to 2nd I would get the "clunk" also when going from park to Drive or reverse I would get it. Check mounts simple fix. If you decide to replace them from the dealer or getting a used set the manual rear mount will not work. Trust me I know from experience.