Wiggles

91 RS 3.1L T5

I searched for this problem yesterday and today but didn't find an exact match, unless the original poster forgot to include details...

This problem just surfaced 3 weeks ago - when I depress the clutch to shift, a big clunking sound can be heard from underneath. I tried to pinpoint the origin by driving with the windows down and it sounds like its coming from the axle, and sometimes it sounds like its coming from the T5 tail. Not only does it clunk while shifting but also continues to bang around while I'm not engaging/disengaging the clutch, but it comes and goes.

Another thing I've noticed that may help troubleshoot - when parked on my driveway, if I leave it in gear with the engine off, doesn't matter if its 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc, it begins to roll.

Whats new: about 50 days ago, I replaced the transmission fluid (Dexron III), axle fluid (80w90) and gasket, and replaced the horrible hydraulic V6 style transmission crossmember/mount with an earlier model non-hydraulic type and new $4 rubber mount.

Based on my searches, it seems like several people advised to check/replace the u-joint. I can see how a worn u-joint may cause excessive noise, but is the same issue related to the car rolling while in gear with the engine off? Just not sure how to approach this.

RBob

iTrader: (1)

Depending upon the slope of the driveway, rolling in gear in normal. A (worn) V6 just isn't going to provide much friction to prevent the car from rolling.

As for the clunking, likely the trans mount is ripped in half. Push up on the transmission tail housing with a jack to check it.

RBob.

Wiggles

That's too bad; I just replaced it not even 2 months ago. Ok, so if it is busted, what can I do to prevent the next one from busting? I used an impact wrench to install it, was that bad?

Wiggles

This evening I jacked up the transmission and loosened the bolts that join the mount to the crossmember to get a better look. Mount has no tears, cracks or splits...all intact.

I noticed the area where the driveshaft connects to the axle was leaking a golden colored fluid...smelled like gear oil. So the next step would be to remove driveshaft and replace the inner seal and the u-joint?

RBob

iTrader: (1)

Is there any play in the u-joints? If so can then replace them. Although the driveshaft will likely vibrate afterwards.

To do the yoke seal will need something to hold the yoke while loosening and tightening the pinion nut. Since it is leaking push up & down on the yoke. If the pinion nut backed off that will be the clunking.

RBob.

Wiggles

Oh man, I feel really stupid at this point...


So I was using my air compressor blower tip to dry this washable cone filter from my other car and was ducking down in the shade near the rear of my Camaro since it was 104 outside. While crouching down, I kinda lost my balance and leaned towards the rear driver's side tire and it felt loose. I grabbed the tire and shook it and it was as loose as could be; all 5 lug nuts were not even hand tight. I immediately jacked the car up and used my impact wrench to tighten all the lug nuts then checked the other 3 tires. Took the Camaro for a test drive and no more clunking at all.

I have never taken the tires off since I've owned this car and inspected them when I first purchased her and put air in each one since then. I'm not sure how this could have happened unless the neighborhood bully was pulling a prank??

RBob, thanks for your assistance in this manner. At some point, I plan to replace the seal as it is still leaking (slowly).

-Wiggles

91phoenix

iTrader: (5)

I have had that happen on a trailer I had. No explanation except a prank.
A friend had it happen on his truck. Once again no explanation.
On my trailer the aluminum wheel was messed up and damaged the wheel lugs.

Glad you got it fixed.