david_c

I recently purchased a 2006 S2000 that came with 220 miles already on the odometer. Currently it has 550 miles. The problem is that I get a low clunking sound from the rear of the vehicle when I am shifting the lever from neutral to first and then accelerate. It sounds like the differential but I have never owned a rear wheel drive, LSD equipped car and I am not sure if this normal for S2000's. By the way, the car is at normal operating temperature when this happens. I have driven the car conservatively until I hit 500 miles but with car already having 200 miles I am concerned that those miles were accumulated by some hard driving. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

david c

Wisconsin S2k

wow. the car had 200 when you bought it? sounds like someone could have been beating the crap out of it. for warranty's sake, I'd bring this up to the dealership ASAP.

xviper

If the clunk happens at the moment you ram the shifter into 1st, this is normal. In neutral, clutch up and idling, you are spinning the tranny over at about 1000 rpm. If you put it into 1st as soon as you get the clutch to the floor, you are the tranny parts to suddenly stop spinning. In doing so, this inertia is transmitted all the way back to the rear diff, which is prevented from moving due to the car being stopped, you are closing up all those little spaces between the teeth of the ring and pinion gear. That's the clunk you hear.
Next time you do this, try the following:
Once you push the clutch the floor, WAIT about 2 to 3 seconds before putting the shifter into 1st.
OR
When the clutch is pushed down, instead of selecting 1st, go to 4th, then immediately to 1st. Since 4th's ratio is closer to a direct drive, it can absorb some of the shock of suddenly stopping the spinning tranny so that the diff doesn't get it.
Either of these will eliminate the clunk.
In any case, that clunk is not a big deal.

However, if you are experiencing the clunk as you are moving off, then you may have some serious problems.

smyroad

Emphasis!!! Very important point!!!!