Mechanical clunk from the rear end

[san]

Hi,

I recently purchased a 2006 ZHP ci... The car is in really good condition, but recently I noticed a mechanical clunk (not too loud) from the rear end of the car when I step on the gas pedal and also when I take my foot off the gas pedal... This happens only at very low speeds... I hear the noise only when I step on the gas... I don't hear anything when I release the clutch slightly and the car starts to move... the car 96xxx miles on it...

Did anybody have a similar issue?

Also sometimes I find it a little difficult to engage 1st gear... Could these 2 issues be related? Or could it be a clutch issue?

Thanks!

[Oli77]

Not likely to be a subframe issue with a 2006 model. Differential bushing?

[az3579]

I would say look into the following, in this order:

Differential carrier bushings (there are three total)
Center support bearing
Flex disc / guibo (goes by either name)

Do you get any vibrations at all while accelerating, or just a clunk? If just a clunk, my money's on differential bushings.

[san]

No i dont feel any vibrations... Feels pretty smooth... Just a clunk...
I think its the diff bushings as well... But shouldnt it make a sound when the car starts to move??

[az3579]

No i dont feel any vibrations... Feels pretty smooth... Just a clunk...
I think its the diff bushings as well... But shouldnt it make a sound when the car starts to move??

Not necessarily. The sound will be evident under certain circumstance, such as initial weight transfer when accelerating or lifting off the throttle. Once the weight and load has been transferred, it pretty much stays put, hence why no ongoing noise while accelerating, only on the initial application or removal of throttle.

[san]

Ok, il check it out then... Thanks....

What about difficulty engaging 1st gear? It feels as if im trying to push it against something rubbery when im trying to slot it in 1st gear... Only 1st gear, all other gears feel fine... only sometimes, not always....

[az3579]

Ok, il check it out then... Thanks....

What about difficulty engaging 1st gear? It feels as if im trying to push it against something rubbery when im trying to slot it in 1st gear... Only 1st gear, all other gears feel fine... only sometimes, not always....

Have you changed your transmission fluid recently? If so, with that oil?
Redline MTL is a very popular fluid that will make your shifting feel so much better.

[danewilson77]

Welcome. Sorry you're having problems. The guys will steer you in the proper direction for sure.

The friendliest forum on the planet!

[san]

the seller told me he had changed it just before he sold it to me... so thats close to 1500-2000 miles. Not sure of the brand of oil though... Do u think I should change it again? If not, what else could be the problem? Should the transmission oil heat up to a certain temperature for it to function properly? I only drive 2 miles to work and back...

Thanks for welcome...

[boilerboy95]

I had something like this on my old 2002 330CiC (non ZHP) and it seemed to occur when the car downshifted when making a turn (like into my neighborhood). Dealer diagnosis (I.e., plug it in and read codes then follow manual) said the car needed a new transmission. F-that! Online research said other items cause same codes. Moral of my story was transmission was fine, but I am curious to learn what you find because I was perplexed and didn't know what caused the clunking.