Reverse Gear "Clunk"

[CodeCode]

I have a 1995 Land Rover Discovery 3.9

The vehicle is bone stock and has 111,XXX miles. When I shift the vehicle into reverse there?s a notable ?clunk? and lurch. This only happens after the vehicle has been running for quite some time, and only happens when shifting to reverse.

When cold starting the truck (and allowing oil to reach operating temp) the truck shifts into reverse smoothly ? which seems odd. The only thing I can think of is that there is an issue with the transmission fluid? Im assuming that it is thinning under the heat of use?

What can I do to mitigate this?

Thank you for the help and happy holidays

 

[wheelen disco]

It may be drive line slack, the rear output flange may be loose

 

[singingcamel]

I doubt its your fld, as mentioned ,drive line slack is the issue at hand. Check you U joints and keep your foot on the brake while going in reverse. They all Clunk alittle..

 

[sir]

ditto all

 

[CodeCode]

But why would it be better (less noticable) when cold if its drive line slack?

Thank you for the responces.

 

[lambo]

fluid is thicker when its cold, possibly slowing the turning rotation of driveline, sounds good anyway.

 

[1995-Disco-I]

Mine did the same... after looking and replacing all the ujoints... ended up still being there... never went away and never got worst....

 

[Reed Perry]

Mine does as well. I usually use the parking brake every time I park. I put it in neutral, pull the parking brake, let the weight sit on the parking brake, then shift into park. It doesn't clunk when I park it this way

 

[CodeCode]

Mine does as well. I usually use the parking brake every time I park. I put it in neutral, pull the parking brake, let the weight sit on the parking brake, then shift into park. It doesn't clunk when I park it this way

I tried this method and it works for me!

 

[brianhoberg]

i think this is a common issue on inclines specifically. I've had the same thing happen in my '03 and 'current '04.

 

[Roving Beetle]

It's a gear drive transfer case, has a spud shaft between the two as well - add this up and you get some clunk. It's normal and when things are cold the fluid has enough cushion in the t-case to softenit a little, plus the trans will take a split second longer to go into gear so it is not there so much when cold.

You can put new/better fluid in the transfer case and it will help a little, but probably not much noticeable at least.

 

[Ian Ashcroft]

Hi another common problem is the accumulator spring in the 2nd/rev accumulator breaks, the result of this is there is no damping action when 2nd or rev is applied. Not saying this is the issue with your car as you do not mention a harsh 2nd gear shift but when all other avenues have been properly checked out this is a common cause. Discuss with your local ZF specialist if you want to follow it up. Regards Ian Ashcroft

 

[Quentin]

Welcome Ian...... It's usually Dave Ashcroft trolling the forum
You're the expert, but it could also be general wear and tear in the transfer box.Specifically the intermediate shaft

 

[Roverlady]

I bought my 95 DI in 2002 with 59K miles on it and it clunked when shifting into reverse.

It's had multiple driveline updates since I lifted it in 03/04.

At 141K miles currently, and my daily driver, it still clunks when I shift into reverse.

 

[pdxrovermech]

most common cause for this clunk that i see is worn splines on the transmission output shaft. I've seen many strip out completely too.

 

[Ian Ashcroft]

Hi I totally agree with all the comments regarding general wear and tear, particularly the quill shaft spline, was just trying to point out another problem that is quite common, the test is if 2nd gear shift becomes hard as well as the reverse clunk it could be the broken spring senario, particularly at 100K. regards Ian Ashcroft

 

[adriatic04]

FYI, for those who have never upgraded ujoints, do it soon.

I had this clunk, started getting worse.

New joints, much tighter, no more clunk, each individual shift is also dampened.