Clunking sound when changing gear

[F1RWL]

My 1999 Caterham Superlight has a clunking sound when changing gear or accelerating and decelerating (unless done very smoothly).

I contacted Caterham South as there is still a few weeks of warranty left and they have assured me this is normal for Sevens with a Limited Slip Differential. Can anyone confirm this is the case. A second opinion will put my mind at rest!

They have assured me that if anything goes wrong relating to this after the warranty period they will fix for free as I have already informed them.

Thanks for any advice.

[ForzaGilles]

My 2000 Superlight did exactly the same. Just have to try and be smooth with throttle application.

I had no issues in 5 years, 20k miles and numerous trackdays.

[framerateuk]

Mine knocks and clonks occasionally, from what I've read it's just the LSD being noisy.

The car's done 13k, 2k of that with me in it, with a few trackdays and no problems other than the noise as of yet.

Edited by framerateuk on Wednesday 19th June 17:28

[SidewaysSi]

Entirely normal. My Superlight does the same...these are racing cars and these noises add to the appeal!

[grenpayne]

My Superlight does it as well, I was very iffy about it to start with, but I love it now as it all add to the experience!

[F1RWL]

Thanks for your replies, feeling much more relaxed about it now and ready to enjoy another weekend in the Superlight.

[Camoradi]

Mine too. Seems to be getting a lighter quieter as I add miles, or I'm getting better at gear changes (unlikely)

[cyderbelly]

It's just letting you knows its there...mine too does it. Clunk clunk wine wine..

[Seven Smiles]

LSDs are very noisy but have a quick check your of your propshaft UJs.

[coppice]

TADTS

[one eyed mick]

May be the nut behind the sreering wheel needs attention ?

[fergus]

If you have a dedion car, with a watts linkage fitted, the rod ends sometimes wear out giving these symptoms.

You may also have wear in a driveshaft CV joint. Propshaft UJs also clonk a bit when knackered.

[SBD762]

I don't have LSD and mine clonks.

Sometime I can get to go quieter if I am ultra smooth with clutch and change.
Still does same on acceleration.
However, I changed the exhaust bobib because it was broke and that also had an effect of quietening down! don't ask me how or why!!!!

[SidewaysSi]

The joy of no sound deadening and a sub 500 car. Enjoy! I do however use earplugs in mine as I have heard stories of permanently damaged hearing from long drives/long-term ownership.

[Rockets7]

Change the A frame bush.

[Mostro]

Yep, normal from an LSD. Earplugs (which I'd recommend anyway) eliminate a lot of the paranoia-inducing rattles and clonks!

[Smollet]

TADTS. Nothing to worry about. I went through the same process of worrying until I realised it was the norm.