Discuss 2006 mustang GT manual transmission backlash on AllFordMustangs.com, the place for Mustang enthusiasts.
Welcome to our Mustang forums where Mustangers come together to hang out, discuss and enjoy their favorite Mustang hobby with fellow Mustang enthusiasts. We invite everyone to read, post, and enjoy our Mustang forum as well as the many other sections of our site.
You are currently viewing our forums as a guest. By joining our community you gain access to post topics, communicate with members, upload your photos and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and free so why wait, join our Mustang community today! If you have any problems with registration or your account login, please contact support.
Hi all
This is my very first post. I am worried about the backlash that gives the mustang a clunk sound when changing gears specially from 1st to 2nd from a stop. Is it normal to have this CLUNK sound if i dont dosage the clutch / gas properly. If i release the clutch less abruply i dont have the thump. But if i release the clutch bit too quick i hear the clunk / backlash and am afraid i am damaging the transmission. Is this normal or i only need to get used to my new 2 weeks old car. Thanks
There are a few things in addition to the driveshaft that can clunk. Is everything else on the vehicle stock? Any upgraded suspension components?
There could be a worn bushing in one of the rear control arms or a bolt that has loosened up slightly over the years. I have an 06 as well and I would occasionally get a clunk. It really shouldn't be happening all that often.
most likely it is "normal", nothing to worry about and will not do any damage
like Ford-a-Tude said, it could be other things too -- but it sounds like you are describing "drive train lash" -- it is basically accumulated play from all the joints in the drive shaft and rear-end, and when you reverse the load on the driveshaft all that play comes out in one direction and then clunks in the other direction when you load it the other way again . . . if you get the technique down with the gas and clutch, you can avoid the loading/unloading and the clunking.
Here's what I think is happenning:
1) you are driving forward, the engine is loading the driveshaft "forward", all the play in the joints is taken out in the forward direction
2) when you go to shift, you let off on the gas just before you push in the clutch . . . so now the engine is pushing backwards on the driveshaft, and the play gets taken out in the "backwards" direction -- clunk! (most noticeable in low gears because that's where the engine braking is the strongest)
3) then you give it some gas and let out the clutch, the engine starts pushing on the driveshaft in the forward direction again, the play gets taken out in the forward direction . . . . clunk!
So, if this is really what is happening -- if you push the clutch in just a little sooner, before the engine braking can take the slack out backwards, you eliminate both clunks.
If it is really bad it probably means something is really worn out somewhere in the drivshaft so there is a lot of play and a lot of clunking.
__________________
| 2010 GT coupe | Red Candy / charcoal | 5MT | Premium pkg | FRPP 3.73 gears | Daily Commuter | Roush CAI | 35% tint | STB | FRPP KR's | Bama 93S tune for now | Steeda UDP's | Shaftmasters alum d/s | 18x9/10 dd Bullitts with 555's | JLT oil sep | lots more on the wish list . . .
There are a few things in addition to the driveshaft that can clunk. Is everything else on the vehicle stock? Any upgraded suspension components?
There could be a worn bushing in one of the rear control arms or a bolt that has loosened up slightly over the years. I have an 06 as well and I would occasionally get a clunk. It really shouldn't be happening all that often.
Bought it second hand. So dont know about suspensions if changed or not
Thx.
most likely it is "normal", nothing to worry about and will not do any damage
like Ford-a-Tude said, it could be other things too -- but it sounds like you are describing "drive train lash" -- it is basically accumulated play from all the joints in the drive shaft and rear-end, and when you reverse the load on the driveshaft all that play comes out in one direction and then clunks in the other direction when you load it the other way again . . . if you get the technique down with the gas and clutch, you can avoid the loading/unloading and the clunking.
Here's what I think is happenning:
1) you are driving forward, the engine is loading the driveshaft "forward", all the play in the joints is taken out in the forward direction
2) when you go to shift, you let off on the gas just before you push in the clutch . . . so now the engine is pushing backwards on the driveshaft, and the play gets taken out in the "backwards" direction -- clunk! (most noticeable in low gears because that's where the engine braking is the strongest)
3) then you give it some gas and let out the clutch, the engine starts pushing on the driveshaft in the forward direction again, the play gets taken out in the forward direction . . . . clunk!
So, if this is really what is happening -- if you push the clutch in just a little sooner, before the engine braking can take the slack out backwards, you eliminate both clunks.
If it is really bad it probably means something is really worn out somewhere in the drivshaft so there is a lot of play and a lot of clunking.
Thanks Jbert for this helpful post. This is the. Best explanation. I thoght it would be a matter of getting used to the right cluth / gas combination. Should TCS be off or on during everyday driving ? When the light is off means TCS is off or on ? Not sure. Thx
I just leave my TCS on unless I'm goign to intentionally be spinning the tires. However, if I were to race it (Drag, auto X, open track, etc) I would turn it off so the computer doesn't pull power out when wheelspin occurs. Everyday driving, I just leave it on.
2006 mustang GT manual transmission backlash 
