96 Camry, surely others have a problem with this THUNK!

[mikebrowncog]

I have a 96 Camry with 199K miles.

The problem is that when I am driving along at, say 40 mph, then take my foot off the gas, there is a slight thunk as something in the transmission or differential sort of dis-engages, like there is a loose-ness in there.

I put my foot back on the gas and it thunks (or clunks) again as it engages again. I can put my foot back on the gas, and take it off, over and over and it will make this clunking sound every time.

I have owned this car since it had 119K miles and it has always done this.

My Toyota-certified mechanic says he doesn't really know what it is. His 94 Camry wagon with 290K does it some, but not as bad as mine.

I recently bought another 96 Camry with only 61K miles and it did the SAME THING!!! Sold it, because if I have to put up with the clunk I may as well drive my high-mileage Camry.

When I accelerate to highway speeds, then slow down to a stop, the problem never shows itself. It's only when driving in traffic that speeds up and slows down, back and forth, that it is noticeable.

I'm sure others must have this problem, but I can't find it on the web. If you could tell me what the problem is, and what it takes to fix it, wow, I would just love that!!!

thanks!!!
Michael Brown
Richmond VA

[eurohazard]

Mine occasionally does what you're talking about. Were talking once a month, and not very severe.....it seems like a worn transmission to me. Just change your tranny fluid, filter and gasket, and it'll improve (but likely not go away). I have "driven" my Camry pretty hard. I have been known for driving my fully loaded (weight wise) Camry up and down the Cascade Mountain passes at 85 mph, and I have done about 6 neutral drops in last 6 years.

I just reread your post though.....what's the condition of the motor/transmission mounts?

[mikebrowncog]

The engine and transmission mounts were the first thing my mechanic checked. He changed top and bottom motor mounts and it made no difference. The loose-ness or clunk really sounds more like it's in the transmission. I would agree it's a worn transmission, but the 96 Camry I bought with 61K had the same thing.

[ghettosled]

i dont have it, but have you checked the simple things like the dog-bone (torque) mount? that would thunk when it goes bad and at the times when you are describing.

[WhiteRabbit]

I had a loose dogbone and it was more of a rattle noise

doubt thats his problem since its coming from the AT area, worth a check though