Clunking noise ... 91 ix

[EA8]

here we go ...

Whenever I am shifting between the first three gears and start to let go of the clutch to engage the gas pedal, I always get this clunking from the front of the car, which makes the car jerk making me look like an idiot driver, as if i have never driven manual before. It doesn't matter if I engage slow or fast it is always there. Also, whenever I am coming to a dead stop, I always hear this 'knock' from the front, almost sounds like something is settling in place.

Any ideas?? This is really starting to bug me and I am not sure what to think.

I have done a quick search (might not have been the most thorough ;)), but I only came up with one thread, where one person had posted saying it might be differential mounts.

Cheers ...

[metalix1021]

Do you think it's only the first three gears because you put more load on it in those gears and just cruise in 4th and 5th?

If you are coming to a stop, and the car is in neutral, it makes that clunk right? If so, it leads me to believe it is suspension related.
When does it make the clunk? When you just come to a complete stop? or as you are in the process of stopping?

[EA8]

Do you think it's only the first three gears because you put more load on it in those gears and just cruise in 4th and 5th?

you might be correct on this. I am usually cruising in 4th or 5th, but lets says I am getting on the interstate from the on ramp, I don't feel it in 4th and 5th, even though I am shifting pretty rough.

If you are coming to a stop, and the car is in neutral, it makes that clunk right? If so, it leads me to believe it is suspension related.
When does it make the clunk? When you just come to a complete stop? or as you are in the process of stopping?

it only happens instantly after a complete stop. I have tried it out and it seems that the car has to have some momentum for it to do so.

[RainierHooker]

I had a similar problem with my old e30. Not an ix but I had a 'jerking-clunk' from my driveline whenever there was a sudden accel or deccel. Turned out to be a worn U-joint and the clunk was the shaft shifting in the bearings. I'd check your drive-line for axial play or poped/spun bearings and bushings...

[EA8]

I had a similar problem with my old e30. Not an ix but I had a 'jerking-clunk' from my driveline whenever there was a sudden accel or deccel. Turned out to be a worn U-joint and the clunk was the shaft shifting in the bearings. I'd check your drive-line for axial play or poped/spun bearings and bushings...

The only thing that I forgot to mention was that my front CV boot is torn ... but rough accel had been an issue prior to that. Now that I think of it, the clunk that happen when coming to a complete stop, just started recently showing up, so it could be an entirely different thing ... once again, I have no idea even where to start, but I will see if I can get under the car today and check it out.

any suggestions on what I should be looking for?

Cheers

[xxx-Lost-Soul-xxx]

Have you checked your LCA? ]


how loud is the clunk? the diff mounts ive delt with come from the rear of the car.

[EA8]

Have you checked your LCA? ]


how loud is the clunk? the diff mounts ive delt with come from the rear of the car.

Hell yeah I would have checked if I knew what an LCA was?? :D ... I'm new to this so pardon the ignorance of not knowing all the terms.

The clunk is not very loud but noticeable to me.

Cheers ...

[EA8]

Now that I know what an LCA stand for, I'll look into it tomorrow afternoon when I gets of work ...

[xxx-Lost-Soul-xxx]

Lower control arms Sorry :(

[EA8]

Lower control arms Sorry :(

no worries ;) ... gotta learn somehow

[Fidhle007]

If your boot is torn it's probably a bad front axle. Have them rebuilt or try to buy some good used ones. I'd say to get them new but they're $1400 a side these days...

You might be able to mimic this clunk with some hard on-off gas behavior if it's an axle...?

[TwoJ's]

So you never answered... if you are in neutral and stopping does the clunk occur?

[EA8]

sorry ... research has been kicking my behind (for work). Whether I am in neutral or not, I always hear the clunk right when the car settles after coming to a complete dead stop.

You might be able to mimic this clunk with some hard on-off gas behavior if it's an axle...?

tried this yesterday and I couldn't get that clunk, the only time where it it very apparent is when for example I am in third and I let of the gas for a long period of time (almost letting the car die), then when I go to step on the gas again, the car shakes badly which is normal from what i was doing to it, but you hear that clunk loud and clear then too ...

I haven't gotten a chance to check under the car yet ... I just hope it aint an axle :D

Cheers

[zedfez]

Sounds like a bad motor mount to me.