Clunky, noisy transmission

[Sil3nt611]

Are there any cars with a transverse engine that don't use a cable driven linkage?

To add to Inuit's answer, my Ford Escort ZX2 had a rod shifter and with Corksport Bronzoil bushings and a short throw it was basically as tight shifting as you could make it. Maybe the only FWD cars that had rod shifters were Escorts, lol. I definitely prefer the rod, but I've gotten used to this one.

I've heard clunks and such, but I haven't had any issues. With everyone else saying they have clunks and it's come back as normal I haven't bothered with asking. But if your revised axles come back as a real fix I'd be interested in having them do a swap.

 

[Intuit]

The MKII Escort was RWD. I think that my MKI Fiesta (FWD) had hard linkage. Every transverse-engined car that I've seen since has had cable linkage. Plop $190K down on a Porsche 911R and you're getting cable linkage. Linkage from the shifter lever to the gearbox on a transverse mounted engine would be a nightmare - I do remember lots of shifter slop in my MKI. My guess is that the cable linkage isn't the only horribly engineered bit on a Sunfire.

Only you stated or indicated that the Sunfire was horribly engineered. The reality is, cables and their end-points wear out and it's just another maintenance item. That's why it had to be serviced after only ~150k. If you keep your cars, the rod linkage is going to be by far and a way better. If you don't keep them or barely drive them (like a $190k Porsche 911R) then it won't matter. ~330k and was never required to replace any part on it. Not only was it tight for over 200k, it simply won't ever fail like cables will. The only part necessary to shorten throw-length to original, was a tiny pack of two bushings (look exactly like washers) that maybe takes 30 minutes to install. An experienced mechanic would have it done it 10 minutes.

 

[SQFiST]

i will let everyone know when i get the car back im hoping on monday. tired of this rental. and yes when car is warmed up it clunks at a stop when moving through gears

 

[SQFiST]

No more clunk!

 

[Manta Ray]

so.. no more even on 1-2 shifts?

 

[rexdriver85]

No more clunk!

Glad to hear it's fixed! [emoji106]

Can you post a better picture of that repair order? I want to see those tech notes above your complaint line. Thanks!

 

[SQFiST]

Above was for a rattle I had. But I think there's another page I'll take a pic of

 

[SQFiST]

nope, nothing. perfect, for now

 

[Intuit]

I'm surprised. So there was some slop in the axle CV-Joint assemblies? Interesting. Others have noted that the original parts have a rusty exterior.

If the shafts are worn, wonder whether folks can reproduce the issue just by grabbing and twisting, or pulsing the accelerator in 1st gear?

 

[Manta Ray]

hmm let me get this straight (sorry for constantly asking)....

no more clunking shifting into gears (something that RMM remedies)
no more mechanical crunching when clutch in and rowing into gear... (something my car has)
just smooth sailing like other cars in this world?

I'm just in slight disbelief that axles can do such....

 

[Sil3nt611]

Before I read this thread I would have guessed it was a motor mount or CV axle. Considering I have a Cobb RMM, that certainly wasn't it. It doesn't seem like mine is the shifter or linkage because I hear it when I get back on the throttle. I may eventually see if I can get the revised axles.

 

[SQFiST]

Yup no transmission sounds whatsoever. I still need to get my Cobb rmm installed though. But I am very happy it worked. I hope this thread will help others that have a issue with this

 

[czeches]

My clutch rattles when when I take it out of gear when I'm sitting at a red light or something like that, but it stops as soon as I push it in to put in gear. I've been meaning to take it by the dealer to see what they say. It's a 14 and I bought it a weeks ago with less than 10k miles one it so I don't get why it's sounding like this so soon

 

[me32]

My clutch rattles when when I take it out of gear when I'm sitting at a red light or something like that, but it stops as soon as I push it in to put in gear. I've been meaning to take it by the dealer to see what they say. It's a 14 and I bought it a weeks ago with less than 10k miles one it so I don't get why it's sounding like this so soon

Possibly abused.

 

[Khill007]

Yup no transmission sounds whatsoever. I still need to get my Cobb rmm installed though. But I am very happy it worked. I hope this thread will help others that have a issue with this

Hey man, are you in a 2016? I don't think I saw that in the post. I am the guy who originally posted the link about the axle shafts. That link indicated 2016 model year but I would think it applies to all year models? My 2015 is going into the transmission techs bay tomorrow where they already saw the link I found. Hopefully they replace them and fixes this clunk issue. It seems to be widespread so maybe we are onto something and can help the many?!?!

Fingers crossed!

 

[SQFiST]

ya mine is a 2016

 

[caliboy15]

I'm surprised. So there was some slop in the axle CV-Joint assemblies? Interesting. Others have noted that the original parts have a rusty exterior.

If the shafts are worn, wonder whether folks can reproduce the issue just by grabbing and twisting, or pulsing the accelerator in 1st gear?

yes.. I also got replacement axle (driver side) it is beefier and no slop, but my passenger side still clunks. Ill post a vid

 

[Khill007]

Just got word dealer isn't going to replace my axle shafts. "Normal characteristic of vehicle?!?" is what tech told my advisor. This is one I may go ahead and buy the shafts and replace myself. I think they are $100.00 a piece?!?

 

[caliboy15]

rip the boot and let it spill out the grease.lol that's the reason why they replaced mine

 

[Khill007]

So, I'm not going to get into the gyrations I've had with Ford Service (or lack-thereof) as it would be like beating a dead horse. I will say that my dealer North Central Ford, Richardson, TX is worthless! I brought the axle shaft fix to their attention and here is what happened. Tech got in a 2016 ST, drove it, then came back with "Drove 2016...makes same noise, normal characteristic of car" OK, ever think maybe the axle shafts in the 2016 haven't been upgraded???? This isn't the best part...just wait!!!! I smile and walk to my car..."already accepting the fact that I am going to buy the axle shafts and install myself ($250.00 for parts)" As soon as I open the door to my car to adjust the seat back to position...I notice that the floor mats are the cheap ones that are found in any auto parts store you walk into?!? I immediately walk back into the service department and ask where in the hell my factory ST mats were and got the "i dunno..." look. The service adviser drives off in my car as I wait for like 20 minutes and then comes back and says..."Nobody has seen them, my manager says he will review the camera footage and get back to me." Are you F'n kidding me?!? At this point I think I'm just going to do everything I can to avoid Ford service and just pay for repairs out of pocket that aren't a blown engine or transmission. Ford service is SORRY! F...I owned several Jeep's over the years and Mopar was never even close to as bad as this shit. It's too bad that Ford designed and built such a cool car and can't seem to figure out how to take care of us few that bought their product.

Ridiculous!

Ridiculous!