Rear Clunking noise when I push in the clutch

TriAdX · 09-20-2011, 02:50 PM

So this happens most in reverse or 1st.

When I am letting the clutch out, if I push it back in once it's started to engage some, I hear this clunking noise that sounds like it's coming from the rear. This happens often and I am not sure if thats just how it is.. of if something is wrong?

I can try to give more specifics if needed.

any insight would be great.

inTgr8r · 09-20-2011, 02:57 PM

normal.
If you search "Dual mass flywheel" you will find lots of info about this

TriAdX · 09-20-2011, 02:59 PM

What is the actual clunking and why does it sounds like its in the rear diff or something?

TriAdX · 09-20-2011, 03:07 PM

Ahh found some info here:

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545542

Sorry i didn't search more thoroughly

inTgr8r · 09-20-2011, 03:08 PM

Sorry i didn't notice "rear" sound.
If you're certain it's in the rear, it could be a diff issue.
Do you still have warranty?

TriAdX · 09-20-2011, 03:12 PM

no factory warranty.. I have some aftermarket 36k/3 year thing.. but since i JUST got the car this weekend.. I havent gotten any info in the mail yet (i assume I will, and its PVP, Royal Admin Services.. :::shrug:::

it sounds like its more towards the rear... its DEF not toward the front though

inTgr8r · 09-20-2011, 03:19 PM

It might be good to hook up with another member in your area to give a listen.

BTM · 09-21-2011, 01:49 PM

Is this speed related, rpm related, cornering related, is the car hot or cold? Is there a specific situation in which this is always reproducible?

For whatever reason, I've noticed my car dislikes low speed (<10mph) tight turns. With the clutch engaged, the diff will "whine" as its working, or if I shift gears, it might clunk/jerk/be loud.

3002 tii · 09-21-2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

normal.
If you search "Dual mass flywheel" you will find lots of info about this

that's more of a chatter... if OP is saying this happens bet 1st/reverse, I'd say it's more a function of brakes (without him realizing) and weight transfer.

TriAdX · 09-21-2011, 02:09 PM

ok

I will give more detail. Let's say I am backing out of a parking spot.

Clutch in. Start car. Put in reverse.

I start to let the clutch out some and give some gas. (I dont let it out all of the way as I am just backing out a little.)

As I push the clutch back in (and let off the gas) it makes a clunk noise from the rear.

It does the same in 1st if I push in the clutch as I am feathering it out to start going (like in stop and go traffic)

Its DEF not a brake thing. Maybe ill make a video.

gcochard · 09-21-2011, 02:26 PM

Sounds kinda like the driveline is unloading. My car makes a noise like that, so does my dad's corvette.

It makes the most noise when you push the clutch in hard and fast after letting off of it, correct?

Make a video.

TriAdX · 09-21-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffhopper

Sounds kinda like the driveline is unloading. My car makes a noise like that, so does my dad's corvette.

It makes the most noise when you push the clutch in hard and fast after letting off of it, correct?

Make a video.

Yeah.. seems like when I push it in fast it clunks more than if I do it slowly

zubydafa · 09-21-2011, 04:09 PM

it's the M clunk.

you just got the car...after a while you'll learn to gauge the clutch in a way to avoid inducing it.

tekmoe · 09-21-2011, 04:22 PM

+1 what he said ^

I get a "thud" type noise from the rear of the car when engaging gears but honetsly I don't even notice it anymore. I think it might be the bushings allowing movement of the differential though I could be way wrong. Nonetheless, the car drives perfect to me so it's nothing I worry about. I also have the clutch chatter, again perfectly normal from what I have read. My previous car also displayed these same symptoms and I bought that one brand new. Never again though, used cars are the way to do it but that's another subject for another time haha.

tekmoe · 09-21-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffhopper

Sounds kinda like the driveline is unloading. My car makes a noise like that, so does my dad's corvette.

It makes the most noise when you push the clutch in hard and fast after letting off of it, correct?

Make a video.

Yep this is exactly how I would describe to replicate the sound with regards to driveline noise.

beta · 09-21-2011, 05:24 PM

Yep I have the same noise. I mostly notice it when gliding into my parking spot, while creeping along pushing in the clutch and letting it out will produce the clunk.

TriAdX · 09-27-2011, 11:15 PM

Ok.. so when I turn the car off, it seems to shut off very rough.. is this also normal?

XMetal · 09-28-2011, 01:06 AM

Shutting down with the clutch in (disengaged) should eliminate the "rough" sounding.

zubydafa · 09-28-2011, 01:08 AM

lol if you want a headache - google M clunk.

every 6MT mated to an S54 has it. e46 fanatics and m3forum have hundreds and hundreds of threads on the topic. there's no magical cure other than gauging your clutch inputs.

EenyBear · 10-08-2011, 02:18 PM

Don't mean to talk your ear off but this may help someone as it represents a summary of the helpful info I've collected over the last few weeks. I've experienced exactly the same thing you have described. Based on what I've learned, I think that's the dual mass flywheel as mentioned above and elsewhere.

However, there are clunks and there are clunks. I really enjoy this car and I want to address anything I don't like before it turns into a costly repair. I can't ignore it simply because people I've come to respect that have more experience than me say "no worries, mate".

In fact, at first blush, my mech says "situation normal" and also mentions normal freeplay in the overall drivetrain, dual mass flywheel shudder, diff shudder when changing direction (like the slow speed reverse you mention when depressing the clutch prior to returning to 1st...)

However, he has looked at many many many BMWs over the years and, even in newer cars, he has seen issues with:
- differential frame bolts (even newer cars)
- centre bearing hanger assembly (even newer cars)
- flex disc
- guibo

The latter two are an unlikely source given the newness of my car but anything is possible.

At the front end, it's worth checking/replacing
- transmission mounts (bolts and bushings)
- engine mounts (bolts and bushings, even newer cars)

For example... I just replaced the trans bushings with Rogue products and it has improved shifting without specifically addressing any noises.

In a startling example... my passenger side rear sway bar clamp was missing

Upon replacement, the difference in the car is astonishing, and not just in the corners. And one of my mystery clunks has disappeared. I mention this because even a minty-mint car with around 12,000 miles on it can have loose bolts, mounts, etc. and nothing should not be discounted as a source of real problems.

It's ALWAYS a good idea to make a video in case you have something else entirely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriAdX

ok

I will give more detail. Let's say I am backing out of a parking spot... etc.

txz4 · 10-08-2011, 07:10 PM

guys guys guys, simple explanation. its the hill-assist brakes not disengaging as quickly as they should for whatever reason. Had it happen a few times before especially when on only slightly uneven ground.

A rough shut off is normal for any performance engine (typically) as others have said put the clutch in before you turn it off and hold and the engine shuts off much smoother.

09-20-2011, 02:50 PM	#1
TriAdX Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 1968 Mustang - 07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	Rear Clunking noise when I push in the clutch So this happens most in reverse or 1st. When I am letting the clutch out, if I push it back in once it's started to engage some, I hear this clunking noise that sounds like it's coming from the rear. This happens often and I am not sure if thats just how it is.. of if something is wrong? I can try to give more specifics if needed. any insight would be great.
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09-20-2011, 02:57 PM	#2
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2435 Rep 11,669 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	normal. If you search "Dual mass flywheel" you will find lots of info about this __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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09-20-2011, 02:59 PM	#3
TriAdX Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 1968 Mustang - 07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	What is the actual clunking and why does it sounds like its in the rear diff or something?
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09-20-2011, 03:07 PM	#4
TriAdX Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 1968 Mustang - 07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	Ahh found some info here: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545542 Sorry i didn't search more thoroughly
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09-20-2011, 03:08 PM	#5
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2435 Rep 11,669 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	Sorry i didn't notice "rear" sound. If you're certain it's in the rear, it could be a diff issue. Do you still have warranty? __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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09-20-2011, 03:12 PM	#6
TriAdX Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 1968 Mustang - 07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	no factory warranty.. I have some aftermarket 36k/3 year thing.. but since i JUST got the car this weekend.. I havent gotten any info in the mail yet (i assume I will, and its PVP, Royal Admin Services.. :::shrug::: it sounds like its more towards the rear... its DEF not toward the front though
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09-20-2011, 03:19 PM	#7
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2435 Rep 11,669 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	It might be good to hook up with another member in your area to give a listen. __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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09-21-2011, 01:49 PM	#8
BTM Banned 489 Rep 10,309 Posts Drives: A///MERICAN!!! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: A///MERICA!!! iTrader: (11) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [7.20]	Is this speed related, rpm related, cornering related, is the car hot or cold? Is there a specific situation in which this is always reproducible? For whatever reason, I've noticed my car dislikes low speed (<10mph) tight turns. With the clutch engaged, the diff will "whine" as its working, or if I shift gears, it might clunk/jerk/be loud.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-21-2011, 02:09 PM	#10
TriAdX Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 1968 Mustang - 07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	ok I will give more detail. Let's say I am backing out of a parking spot. Clutch in. Start car. Put in reverse. I start to let the clutch out some and give some gas. (I dont let it out all of the way as I am just backing out a little.) As I push the clutch back in (and let off the gas) it makes a clunk noise from the rear. It does the same in 1st if I push in the clutch as I am feathering it out to start going (like in stop and go traffic) Its DEF not a brake thing. Maybe ill make a video. __________________ 2007 Z4M Coupe - 2010 Ducati 848 - 1968 Mustang 302
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09-21-2011, 02:26 PM	#11
gcochard Captain 24 Rep 784 Posts Drives: 2011.5 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: South OC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	Sounds kinda like the driveline is unloading. My car makes a noise like that, so does my dad's corvette. It makes the most noise when you push the clutch in hard and fast after letting off of it, correct? Make a video.
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09-21-2011, 04:09 PM	#13
zubydafa tosser 32 Rep 988 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Allentown, PA iTrader: (0)	it's the M clunk. you just got the car...after a while you'll learn to gauge the clutch in a way to avoid inducing it.
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09-21-2011, 04:22 PM	#14
tekmoe Captain 55 Rep 844 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	+1 what he said ^ I get a "thud" type noise from the rear of the car when engaging gears but honetsly I don't even notice it anymore. I think it might be the bushings allowing movement of the differential though I could be way wrong. Nonetheless, the car drives perfect to me so it's nothing I worry about. I also have the clutch chatter, again perfectly normal from what I have read. My previous car also displayed these same symptoms and I bought that one brand new. Never again though, used cars are the way to do it but that's another subject for another time haha.
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09-21-2011, 05:24 PM	#16
beta Lieutenant Colonel 80 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (2)	Yep I have the same noise. I mostly notice it when gliding into my parking spot, while creeping along pushing in the clutch and letting it out will produce the clunk. __________________ modification journal
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09-27-2011, 11:15 PM	#17
TriAdX Private First Class 6 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 1968 Mustang - 07 Z4MC Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Tampa iTrader: (0)	Ok.. so when I turn the car off, it seems to shut off very rough.. is this also normal? __________________ 2007 Z4M Coupe - 2010 Ducati 848 - 1968 Mustang 302
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09-28-2011, 01:06 AM	#18
XMetal Colonel 1166 Rep 2,881 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	Shutting down with the clutch in (disengaged) should eliminate the "rough" sounding.
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09-28-2011, 01:08 AM	#19
zubydafa tosser 32 Rep 988 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Allentown, PA iTrader: (0)	lol if you want a headache - google M clunk. every 6MT mated to an S54 has it. e46 fanatics and m3forum have hundreds and hundreds of threads on the topic. there's no magical cure other than gauging your clutch inputs. __________________ '07 MCoupe lots of mods
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10-08-2011, 07:10 PM	#21
txz4 Major 60 Rep 1,097 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: san antonio, texas iTrader: (3)	guys guys guys, simple explanation. its the hill-assist brakes not disengaging as quickly as they should for whatever reason. Had it happen a few times before especially when on only slightly uneven ground. A rough shut off is normal for any performance engine (typically) as others have said put the clutch in before you turn it off and hold and the engine shuts off much smoother.
	Appreciate 0 Quote