AWD Transmission: "Popping" noise when coming on or off the accelerator

[Banzai]

Hi, I know noises are very difficult to describe or diagnose but here goes:

I have a sort of popping sound when I use or release the accelerator. it *seems* to happen much more when the engine is warmed up than it does direct from a cold start.

The popping or mild clunk as it could also be described happens within about half a second of the pedal being touched or released.

I don't think it happens when starting from stationary rather when easing off the pedal and then back on again.

It almost like there is some "slack" in the transmission, maybe a worn joint somewhere or something.


Anyone got any ideas?

Many years ago I had a Ford Explorer and I seem to recall it might have done the same thing but much less often or perhaps I didn't pay as much attention to it back then.

These 2 cars are my only experience of AWD, large SUV type cars and automatic transmissions so for all I know it might be normal.....


Thanks.