Clutch/gearbox backlash?

[Cappocoupe]

Had my car for a couple of weeks now. One of the things I've noticed is that when I'm in traffic, say in 2nd gear, and I'm coming on and off the clutch/gas, there's a slight clonk if you put a little power on as you lift the clutch, say to start moving forwards again.

I'm fairly sure that if it's down to any play anywhere, it's in the clutch or the gearbox input, since once I'm moving with the clutch fully out, I can lift off/accelerate and it's completely smooth with no clonks at all (I did see a thread about propshaft/diff etc but I'm fairly certain it's not that).

I just wondered if this is normal or not? Do they "all do that, sir?" Doesn't cause me any problems but if it's not normal I'll need to get it checked out. Car has done about 2500 miles.

Thanks.

[biglump]

Mine certainly does it...seems worse when its been in traffic for a bit?

[axeman101]

Mine does it too. Just on light/mid acceleration first to second. Dealers looking into it now. I'll let you know the verdict.

[cappocoupe]

OK, great, will be v interested to hear.

Someone has suggested to me that it might be something to do with a dual-mass clutch - but I don't know whether the VXR has such a thing fitted?

[monkfish1]

cappocoupe said:

OK, great, will be v interested to hear.

Someone has suggested to me that it might be something to do with a dual-mass clutch - but I don't know whether the VXR has such a thing fitted?

Err -no!

[ringram]

Mine is a superclunker. Got worse after the poly bushes. There is lots of takeup if you add all the slack bits together, gearbox gears, output shaft, driveshaft universals in a few places, then input diff shaft and crownwheel and pinion. Basically add all them up and there is a bit of freeplay. When you come on and off the throttle you are twisting in and out that freeplay. Mr Clunk is the result.

[Cappocoupe]

Well, if that's the fully-engineered explanation, then I'm happy with that!!

Really just wanted to know if other cars do it or whether there is something amiss with mine - if they all do it then I can happily live with it.

[ringram]

I think its a RWD trait, Ive always owned RWD, well most of the time and they all did it to a greater or lesser extent. Worst was a 1971 Mk3 Cortina. Though the old 60's anglia was also shocking.

[Boyce]

Yeah mine does it, was a bit concerned at first so had a dealer check it out, and they said it was fine. Guess we just live with it.

[mackie1]

Mine does it a bit but my friend's RX8 was far worse IMO. The rex also had a nasty habit of making a horrid bang/graunch sound when engaging 1st.

On a side note i think I may need new bushes on the front as I've been getting clonks when steering or braking when hitting a bump. Is this a warranty-able thing?

[axeman101]

Dealer has confirmed the clunk I was experiencing and is awaiting instructions from vauxhall hq on what exactly needs fixing. They say it will need to go to a monaro specialist dealer to fix tho.

[crisisjez]

Mine too, found that holding it longer in the first two gears helped. Eventually you`ll get the hang of the seamless no clonk change, just like the missus has.(bitch)

[AM04ARO]

crisisjez said:

Mine too, found that holding it longer in the first two gears helped. Eventually you`ll get the hang of the seamless no clonk change, just like the missus has.(bitch)

[AM04ARO]

crisisjez said:

Mine too, found that holding it longer in the first two gears helped. Eventually you`ll get the hang of the seamless no clonk change, just like the missus has.(bitch)

[bluechim]

Just keep pushing down hard on the right hand pedal. That sorts it out!