Slight transmission klunk

[Jake654321]

I have a 2002 ACR. 2,000 miles. There is a distinct, and I think, growing louder klunk when I shift. I can hear and even feel it in the clutch when I change gears, especially in lower revs.

It appears when upshifting primarily, althought if coasting in third or fourth it happens when I reapply the throttle.
Is this normal? Should I be more careful about matching revs to up shifts, or is something wrong? Maybe loose?

I spun it three weeks ago, it bumped a curb but I've replaced the ACR wheel with a brand new one purchased from the dealer.

Any ideas or am I imagining things since the spin. Spun on a wide street, bent the wheel but didn't seem to hurt anything else. The dealer has checked the suspension and the alignment, said it was "dead on".

If anyone else has had this clunking problem, how did you resolve it? Thanks

 

[1TONY1]

You should drive a early model, 96 in my case. Sounds like the transmission is coming from together. They have gotten better though. Some of the newer model guys will chime in.

 

[Jake654321]

Thanks. You mean the earlier models are very noisy, with heavy clunking?

 

[Jake654321]

It's really not so "slight". Has anyone else experienced this or is it a big problem that I better take to the dealer?

Hate to lose a couple of days if it's normal.

 

[Russ M]

Mine does the exact same thing, and from what people are saying this is normal.

 

[MadMaxx]

My 96 does that too.. freaked me out. But, it seems to be normal to an extent. If its really loud, then get it checked. Try slipping the clutch very easy into 3rd gear, it shouldn't clunk.

MadMaxx

 

[Jake654321]

Thanks all of you

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">While it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it checked out, there is quite a bit of lash designed into the driveline for durability reasons.

Not exactly sure how lash adds durability, but the Viper isn't alone in that regard. Sounds bad, but can be somewhat compensated for by driving style.</FONT f>

 

[MichaelP]

Jake the people who say their Viper does it also seem to be the Gen I folks. My 2000 does not clunk.

Personally, I would definitely take it in to be looked at.

 

[genXgts]

My 1997 doesn't clunk, although it seems those that do are normal, maybe variance on the "clunkers" is at the top end of lash limit???

 

[S-JC]

I know I'm bringing up a thread from the grave, but I wanted to mention that I also have that slight clunk. It is only audible when under light acceleration, just as I let out the clutch. It's kind of a hollow "thock" sound and it sounds like it's defintely from the tranny, towards the rear. I'm hoping that what I read about lash tolerances being normal is true.

 

[Nexus-6]

My 2002 GTS with 1600 miles has the same thing. Did it when I had just 100 miles on the clock or thereabouts even.

It's just like you described - very light throttle application after the clutch has been engaged mostly and after there has been some "coast" time usually.

Mine too comes from the middle/rear of the car. I do believe it's lash like others have pointed out. Just slack being taken up. Not the most friendly sound, but some of my other cars do it as well and it appears to be "normal". It's just more pronounced in the Viper.

 

[1TONY1]

Walk around to the back of the car and notice.....it says Dodge....not Porsche

 

[Nexus-6]

lol Tony - for what it's worth, the other culprit is the BMW...