Bucking, jerking and clunking @ low RPM from a dead stop......

[99gst_racer]

This is starting to scare me. I just pulled my car out of storage. It's been up on jackstands for the past 4 months. Here's my problem. As soon as I let off the clutch (in 1st gear) from a dead stop, the car jerks around REALLY bad and there is a horrible clunking sound. It does it a little bit in 2nd at low RPM's too. Mostly in 1st when taking off from a stop though. As soon as I let off the clutch and give it a little gas, it feels like I hit fuel cut 3 or 4 times and then the car goes. I know this isnt a fuel cut problem, I'm just trying to give you guys an idea of the feeling. The clunking sound sounds like a car driving down the road with only one loose lugnut holding each wheel on. This has nothing to do with boost, it all happens below the 3000 RPM mark. Is there any DSM expert out there that might be able to give me some help, advice, or pointers...... ????

 

[99gst_racer]

Originally posted by mazdamx6pwr.com
I'm not sure if this is relevant to the DSM community. But, here goes. The 2001+ Mazda Miata's had a problem with clutch shudder which was caused by defective friction material in the clutch disk not mating right with the pressure plate and flywheel. I have also heard Toyota and Honda have both had this problem with newer models also. Where you have a newer DSM I figured I'd mention it.

Thanks for the idea, but I have mostly ruled out it being a clutch problem. I dont have the stock clutch anymore. I have an ACT 2100 and it worked fine all last summer. I'm pretty sure my problem has something to do with the driver's side axle goin into the tranny.

Is it possible for tranny fluid to leak from there? If so, what causes it?

 

[phastalon]

Originally posted by 99gst_racer
Thanks for the idea, but I have mostly ruled out it being a clutch problem. I dont have the stock clutch anymore. I have an ACT 2100 and it worked fine all last summer. I'm pretty sure my problem has something to do with the driver's side axle goin into the tranny.

Is it possible for tranny fluid to leak from there? If so, what causes it?

did you ever hear any thumping when accelerating or decelerating? i still don't think that it could be your axle though, just from the way you are describing your problem to me.

as for leaking tranny fluid, it could leak anywhere if there is a crack but it won't leak if your axle is popped out.

at this point, i would have to suggest taking it somewhere that you trust and have them diagnose the problem. this way if you think it's something you can fix, you can still do it without all of the labor costs. i honestly don't know what could be wrong at this point, hopefully someone else on here can help you out though.
sorry bro

 

[99gst_racer]

Originally posted by phastalon
did you ever hear any thumping when accelerating or decelerating?

It never did it before at all. Not until after sitting all winter. Right before I stpored it, it did this a couple of times. I would be cruizin on the highway at about 80 in 5th and it would pop into nuetral. What would cause this. I think it was low on tranny fluid then. Could that be it? I never had shifting problems and the clutch has always felt great.

Originally posted by phastalon
as for leaking tranny fluid, it could leak anywhere if there is a crack but it won't leak if your axle is popped out.[/B]

I now have a massive puddle of brand new BG Syncromesh under my car, so it is definately leaking. Here's what else I noticed. There is some nasty brown mud all over the axle near where it runs into the tranny. I know the boot is not torn. That's what led me to believe the axle is damaged or working itself out of the tranny, causing the car to buck and the fluid to leak. But you said that's not possible, right? I'm going to try to get ahold of my buddies digi. camera and take a few pics tonight..... hopefully it will help you help me. BTW, I greatly appreciate all the help you have givin me.

 

[leet]

If the axle is damaged it is possible for it to fall out of the transmission. Take it apart and take a look at it. PM me if you need to.