simons2k

Anyone experience this?

During stop and go traffic, I notice that sometimes when I engage into 1st gear from neutral, a slight "clunk" is experienced. You feel it more than hear it, not just on the shift knob, the passenger can feel it too. Doesn't happen all the time. I've noticed this ever since I got the car.

The car is at normal operating temperature, so it's not the "cold shift" feeling.

It feels like something is not aligning properly. I don't have to struggle to get it into 1st. It just clunks.

KennyS2K

same thing.

if i clutch and then wait a few seconds before first or reverse it will not happen.

there are a lot of posts/threads on this and if i am not mistaken it is corrected by greasing and re-torqueing the rear axle spindle nuts.

i also do not think that it causes any harm to the drivetrain.

if someone else has another theory, please post and let us know.

ken

Gernby

When you disengage the clutch, the internals of the transmission are still spinning. It takes time for the clutch disk and shafts to stop (due to inertia). Plus, if you are still rolling, the "back end" of the transmission parts are turning. Selecting 1st gear when the 2 halves of the transmission are at different rotational speeds can cause a clunk. Of course, this could also be caused by a defective clutch that is not fully disengaging.

Johnny--2K

yup, i have noticed it too...then i found out it only does it when i am rolling, even on a slight hill rolling forwards or backwards depending on slope of hill....i just use a rule of thumb....at a light, use the brake, even if its flat...since then, no more clunk!

HwangTKD

Hit the Clutch, hold it in for abour 2 seconds and then shift into gear.

Johnny--2K

wow, you must have long arms to be able to hit the clutch!?!?!....j/k....lol

simons2k

Thanks to everyone's response!!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed this.

Will experiment with all the different recommendations tomorrow.

genxpawn

I also noticed the same thing while going to the movies today. I found that if I don't step on the clutch far enough, I'll hear that "clunk." I guess I just have to get used to pushing in the clutch further than my previous cars. In my Si, I barely had to step on the clutch....

JamesB

If your rolling and you want to go to first it helps to rev the engine little, I think it helps everything in the drivetrain to get to the same speed

Johnny--2K

i always rev match my gears when downshifting....just ensures a longer life, because everything is moving at the same speed, so it puts less stress on the gears.