"Crunchy/clunky" sound after shifting from reverse to drive

[BoingoBongo]

I got my Corolla about three weeks ago, and I've since noticed it makes an odd noise every time I shift from reverse to drive and begin to accelerate. I notice it every time I back out of a parking space. As soon as I shift into drive and press on the gas, I hear this weird crunhing/clunking sound coming from what sounds like underneath the front of the car. It almost sounds like when you run over gravel and rocks hit the bottom of the car. It only lasts for a second or so (about 4 "clunks").

It doesn't seem to affect the car's performance at all. I took it to the dealership today and they said it was the brake pads, and that it was "perfectly normal." They didn't actually look at the car though.

Should I be concerned? I plan on asking about it again when I go in for my first service appointment, but that's still 4,000 miles away.

[straightclownin35]

take it back to the dealer. tell them you keep hearing this sound and you want it fixed. it is under warranty and there should be nothing wrong with it. take advantage of your 36k mile warranty !

[jer.D]

i've had somewhat of the same problem. every time i had to shift my car into reverse it made a loud "clank" noise.

this worked for me, maybe it could help you. before you shift into reverse, shirt into another gear, like 1st or 3rd, then shift into reverse, then see if that sound is still there.

[toyomoho]

This appears to be a common complaint.

[BoingoBongo]

If it's common, does that mean it's fixable?

jer. D- Does the method you suggested fix the problem permanently, or do I have to do it every time I shift?

[toyomoho]

Complaints but no fix as yet.

Might be the brake system flexing, pads moving.

[jer.D]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Complaints but no fix as yet.

Might be the brake system flexing, pads moving.

well i took my corolla to the dealership too, apparently the whole clanking problem is the result of the car being new, and i quote the serviceman "it hasn't even reached 5000 miles yet." i think it's bullshit and they're too lazy to check my car, only because it's under warrenty and they know it wouldn't cost me anything to either have that checked or have it fixed.

but that technique has been working for me for the past couple months, and when i forget my corolla still makes that noise, so to answer your question, for a permanent fix, i don't think it would do the trick, but i've become accustomed to shifting to 1st then reverse so my car won't clank.

[Honda city]

Compared to my last car ( Honda, Civic ) my new Corolla does not shift from foward to reverse as quickly. In my Honda i use to be able to shift quickly back and forth. In the Corolla there seems to be a lag between shifting from foward to reverse. Just give the transmission a second or two to shift foward or reverse. I suspect that will solve the problem and increase the life of your transmission as well.