Hey, folks...

My new '02 TA (less than 200 miles) has been making an odd noise since I picked it up. When I pull out from a stop, first gear is fine, second gear is usually fine, then third and up make an unnerving noise when the clutch engages. It's kind of a "POP" or "BANG" coming from the rear end somewhere. If I'm very careful to let the clutch out slowly with a lot of slippage so the car doesn't jerk, then I don't hear it as much.

So my first thought was that it was something rattling back there -- but I don't ever hear it any other time (bumps, turns, braking, etc.), only during the shifts. Just one "POP" and then it stops until the next gear. I don't know if there is something loose in the rear end or what, but I'm kind of nervous that I'm damaging something back there. Any ideas if this is normal? What could it be? Is there some play in the rear end? UGH! HELP, PLEASE!

Thanks in advance!

------------------
Steve
2002 Trans Am WS-6
M6, Pewter

 

My 02 Z28 has some driveshaft noise when shifting my 6 speed, I assume you have the 6 speed, one problem that I did have was that the crappy stock transmission mount would flex and hit the stops on it every time I shifted into 2nd or 3rd at low rpm, it would make a clunk noise and then vibrate a little if I shifted at too low of rpm like 1700. This problem was solved with my cheapest mod to date of a $15 polyurethane transmission mount, it helped a lot and the trans is much firmer, the only downside is that you will feel the vibration in the car more and a little more road noise. I did this mod even before I installed my b&m shifter which is a must and a few other mods which everyone should do to their fbody like a good strut tower brace.

 

No clue what it is, but it's not normal.

Time for a trip back to the dealer for some warranty work.



------------------
2001 TransAm WS6, M6 3.42
HPP, TBB, 160* t-stat, MTI Lid, Holley PowerShot, Flowmaster 80, Port/Polish MAF

Pics of the T/A

2001 Z28
-- R.I.P. - 06/25/02

 

I just talked to the service department at the local dealer... he said that GM told them it's a normal sound for the first 3k miles (break in) and that it's just the way a bushing in the rear-end sits when new. He said if it's still making that noise after 3k miles, I should bring it in for an adjustment. Do you buy this? ;-)

------------------
Steve
2002 Trans Am WS-6
M6, Pewter

 

Well, my 98 does the same thing and it has 49k miles on it. My guess is that you'll be visiting the dealer for the adjustment.

Report back...

 

you know, I used to have that problem when i had my car.. usually during the 1-2 shift once in a blue moon.. happend a few times.. very unnerving..

It hasn't happened for a while... then again, i could nto be hearing it cuase of my loudmouth.

won't hurt to get it checked out...