car clunks when you put it in reverse - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

gameguru1360 · 06-01-2009, 05:47 PM

I've noticed lately that my 91 corolla dx auto tranny clunks when I shift it into reverse either from park or drive.

Would most of you say that this is the U-joint or is it the entire auto tranny?? How much does this part usually go for and can I go to a regular mechanic or is it specifically only handled by transmission repair centers??

ericdude · 06-01-2009, 06:58 PM

I don't believe the FWD corolla has any U-joints. It has CV joints on
both ends of the axle halves that transfer power from the differential
to the wheels.

I would think if there were a problem with the cv joints, you'd know about
going around a corner or shifting from park into drive, but that's just a guess.
My guess would be something internal to the transmission.

***SCT*** · 06-01-2009, 08:19 PM

Yea, it's the tranny. My auto, when it used be, had that problem. Sometimes it would go into reverse smoothly then sometimes it would shock the entire car.

gameguru1360 · 06-02-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCT

Yea, it's the tranny. My auto, when it used be, had that problem. Sometimes it would go into reverse smoothly then sometimes it would shock the entire car.

so you're saying it's the entire tranny or would it be a particular part?? I'm looking around my local area to see if any tranny places have free diagnostics

there doesn't seem to be any problem going around corners or going from park to drive. It's going from drive to a complete stop, then reverse and then you hear the clunk

eage8 · 06-02-2009, 09:57 AM

whens the last time you changed your transmission fluid? have you checked the level? it might be low.

gameguru1360 · 06-02-2009, 10:09 AM

had it flushed at the last 6k mile service. I periodically check the level and it's never gotten seriously low

Donald · 06-02-2009, 12:00 PM

What is your idle speed?
Have you checked the engine/transmission mounts?

ericdude · 06-02-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gameguru1360

had it flushed at the last 6k mile service. I periodically check the level and it's never gotten seriously low

Ugh. Change fluid good, flush bad. Some crud might have been forced
into your valves. At least, I've heard bad things about shop flushes.

***REN69*** · 06-03-2009, 12:53 AM

I would also say motor mounts, most likely worn out making the engine have that extra kick when it goes in reverse... some motors do it going into drive also.

gameguru1360 · 06-03-2009, 12:24 PM

well I've scheduled to have a free diagnostic external check with Aamco and see what they say and I'm also going to have it checked by other AAA approved centers that also provide free diagnostic checks to see what it really is. Hopefully it's not that bad of a repair

***REN69*** · 06-04-2009, 01:29 AM

Aamco will want $2000 to rebuild a transmission that you can find used for $200... don't bother.

gameguru1360 · 06-04-2009, 11:40 AM

well I probably won't go to aamco for that...just want to see what they diagnose and say what the problem is.

A friend said about the similar price for a cv boot job if I order from a local wholesale car parts place and then have it installed by his wife's dad.

gameguru1360 · 06-08-2009, 06:49 PM

well I took my car to aamco and several other auto tranny places and they all said that the transmission is fine. It's the engine mounts that need to be replaced, but since the car is old, it's probably not worth it to repair, so I'm going to see about how much junk yards will buy it for parts.

Donald · 06-08-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gameguru1360

well I took my car to aamco and several other auto tranny places and they all said that the transmission is fine. It's the engine mounts that need to be replaced, but since the car is old, it's probably not worth it to repair, so I'm going to see about how much junk yards will buy it for parts.

You are kidding, right!?
How much did they estimate for the replacement of the mount?

The junk yard will probably give you $100-150. You can sell it on the street for a bit more. Just let the buyer know it needs engine mounts. If you were near me I'd buy it from you.

gameguru1360 · 06-09-2009, 09:30 AM

well some of those places said the parts are a few hundred. I was able to find engine mounts from an online place that I bought an exhaust manifold from when they advertised on ebay and those engine mounts were much cheaper, but that's just the parts...have to factor in the stupid labor charge.

So I think I might just take it to a junkyard or if a friend wants to buy it, will have to sell "as is".