Clunking noise when going from 'D' to 'R' - help!

[redtek]

Hi all,

I've got a clunking noise from my 2007 XC90 D5 Geartronic when I go from 'D' to 'R'. It does it almost all of the time and sometimes it's louder than other times. It started about 6 months ago and was very quite at the beginning. I think it's getting louder but cannot be certain. It does it on a perfectly flat surface as well as hills. I have tested and it's definitely coming from the gearbox or something to do with moving from D to R.

Mileage is 70k and (this may be related or not) it started about three months after a service where the gearbox oil was changed (by a independent dealer in Hertfordshire).

Everything else is perfect. It's never missed beat or a gear.

Obviously I'm concerned that its going to get louder and/or eventually break. I'm hoping it's something other people have encountered too. I'm not too worried as I see gearboxes go on eBay for about £1500 but obviously that's worst case - financial ruin :-((( and it would make me sell the car which I love.

So I hope you guys can help,

Cheers,

Steve

[The Hooded Claw]

Rear gearbox mounting Strut will "Clunk" when selecting Reverse from a forward drive gear ....

the "Clunk" Should be more noticeable in the "Front Floor Area" About 6 to 8 Inches in front of the gear stick ..


Keith

[redtek]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for rapid reply. It makes the sound going from 'D' to 'R' but also the other way from 'R' to 'D'. But you're right the sound does appear to originate from that area, but do you think it's braking or something is wrong.

If I get under the car will I be able to identify or localise the rear gearbox mounting strut (which I presume is at the rear of the car - weird how the noise travels to the front?).

I can now hear the noise from inside my house when the wife goes to drive away. Arrgh!

Many thanks

[JamesV70R]

Are you going D -> N -> R / R -> N -> D or straight from D -> R / R -> D without a quick "pause" in N?

[redtek]

Typically I move straight through from D to R or vice-versa, but it makes the noise regardless if I put it in N in between.

To super clear here's a list:

P to D or R: clunk
D or R to N: no clunk
N to D or R: clunk
N to P: no clunk

Boy that was harder to think about than it seemed! So I would say that it whenever it engages D or R, it clunks.

Cheers,

Steve

[The Hooded Claw]

Easy way to check if it is the Gearbox mounting is to Rev the Engine hard then release the Acc pedel & then hit it again HARD ....

The "torque" of the Engine (as its Transverse) will make the Engine "Move" on its mountings ..(So if yer standing by the Front NEARSIDE wing looking at the Engine it will "Torque" in a Clockwise Direction) forcing the Area nearest the Gear Stick to move Downwards, & on Releasing the Acc Pedel it will release the "torque" & make the Engine move Upwards & you'll hear a CLONK.

Now, Having Said all that I just noticed yours is an XC 90 so it COULD be a Universal Joint on the Prop Shaft (As its AWD) which to be honest is far more likely than a Gear Box mount .....well, I'd certainly be checking the rear Prop UJ's BEFORE the Gear Box Mount any how!!!

Its the Same principal .. your "torquing up" the Prop in one Direction (Going Forwards) & then Reversing the Torque when going into Reverse ..This is Far more likely to cause a CLUNK on a AWD than a Gearbox Mount.

Sorry I do tend to Forget the AWD versions (only having a C70 Coupe & an Old battered 850 Myself !!!!).

I would say its 90% likely to be a UJ on the Rear Drive Prop causing the CLUNK

To Check.. Engine off Gear in "P" then get under it & grab the rear Drive Prop as it Exits the Gear Box & try & turn it ..(it should NOT MOVE AT ALL) .. if it does the Front UJ is a DUFFER ... get it Changed & NO MORE CLUNK!!!


Keith

[ex Triumph Man]

Apologies for delay in replying. Just come back from overseas.
When you say there is a change of direction clonk, do you still get this if you keep your foot on the footbrake at the same time?

It is essential that the vehicle is absolutely stationary when going from D-2-R or vice versa.

[essexbloke2008]

I have the same on my 56 plate with only 48k
i have been told drive shaft end bolts , gearbox engine mount and top engine mount?
may change one at a time to find fault.

[danf]

Let us know if you find any cures for this problem. I have the same issue on my 2006 D5.

Dan

[danf]

I've changed the drive shaft end bolts to the XC90 ones. This has erradicated any clunks (which I thought were the gearbox) .......worth a try.

Dan