Clunk/ Clank on Engagement with 2nd and 3rd
 

Good morning guys,

I'm sure at this point everyone is tired of hearing about this. However, I am still learning about car diagnosis. I own a MT 2016 BRZ (approx. 5k miles on the odometer) and have been noticing that at the engagement point of 2nd and 3rd gear I get a clunk or clank once gas has been applied. From the research I have done, I've found that this is a normal characteristic of the car, but I wanted to get more opinions on the matter. As there is no mechanical issue with my BRZ, the clanking has made me more paranoid than I'd like to be. I have found myself holding my foot on the clutch a little longer than needed with 2nd and 3rd to avoid hearing the clanking noise (which we all know is no bueno). I am quicker with my shifts from 4-6. Some days are better than others, though. I think most of us can agree this car goes through it's 'moods.' Or, maybe, it's just me... Could anyone provide me with some peace of mind? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

In addition, I've asked the dealership about replacing the trans fluid to something better (Motul Gear300, Redline, etc.) and they advise against it. No idea why, but I do plan to flush out the old stuff with something better in the near future.

Thanks guys! :thumbsup:

Is this your first RWD car? I've had a few and have experienced the "clunking" from the rear differential when shifting, normal.

This is my first RWD car, yes. I haven't been able to pin point where the sound is coming from, though.

Oh, DaBoBo21 ...... relax ....... ;)

The sounds you hear are more than likely just parts of the drivetrain taking up slack.

Perfectly normal for a RWD car with a MT.

Feel better now ...... ??

:)


humfrz

Haha. Roger that. This is why I come to you guys. :thumbsup:

Ironically the longer you hold in the clutch between shifts the more pronounced the clunk will be since it gives time for the forces on the drivetrain to unload a bit. The faster and smoother the shift the less clunk you will get since the pressure stays loaded.

It's probably normal. Some transmissions are louder than others.

I don't know about it being a RWD-specific/rear diff thing though. I've had a lot of RWD manuals and have never experienced a clunking rear diff. I'd think that was an issue.

YOUR sound is just slack in the trans.

All cars do it. It is much easier to notice in a RWD though since there are more places for slack to appear. Doesn't help that we have so little soundproofing that sounds that go unnoticed in most cars reverberate through the cabin in ours.

That all makes sense, guys. I'm pretty sure I'm making it out to be something that it isn't. I'll take 1-2 and 2-3 more like 4-6 and see if I notice a difference. Start embracing the mechanical sounds of the car.

Lash in the drivetrain is normal, but if you're hearing a definite clunk coming from your rear diff, you might oughta get that checked out.

The transmission/clutch, though, is always gonna make sounds.

Rear diff clunk is normal for RWD when shifting into 1st from a stop, have heard it in all of mine, even when brand new.

For guys that are not used to it that little bit of lash sounds like their car is coming apart.

^^^^^ lol

Which is why I said it was normal in my first post.