If your transmission mount or engine mount becomes loose or breaks then the clunking noise in first gear occurs. You may also hear such kind of clunking noises whenever you make a sudden change in the speed or whenever you shift gears, due to the movement of the insecure mount. Let’s get an in-depth format for the cause.
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Reason Behind The Clunking Noise In First Gear?
Your transmission is responsible for making your car move it transfers the power from the engine to the wheels. During normal operations, you’ll definitely hear at least some noise. However, when it begins making unusual sounds, particularly a clunking or whining noise when in gear, it’s a sign that there is something wrong.
Common causes for this issue are as follows:-
It’s always a little unnerving when your vehicle starts making a noise you’ve never heard before. It can be especially disturbing when you feel the clunking noise in first gear and it’s making reverberating through the whole car. If this is the case, you should ask a mechanic to take a look.
1. Motor Mounts and Transmission Mounts:-
The Motor and transmission mounts provide a cushioned point-of-contact between the both of them and your vehicle’s frame. As the vehicle ages, these cushions can shrink and can become brittle, split or may even fall out-of-place. All of these conditions will lead to clunking noise.
2. Upper and Lower Ball Joints:-
The ball joints on your vehicle provide the pivot point for steering your wheels. Often the only time you will hear them is when turning the steering wheel while you are completely stopped. Ball joints are vitally important for maintaining the control of your car. You’ll often notice a bit of shaking in the front of your car along with the clunking noise in first gear.
3. Exhaust Hangers:-
These are devices that hold your exhaust up under your vehicle. Unless they are very worn, you’ll often only hear them when you first start your vehicle. The sound usually goes away once the exhaust system warms up. In some cases, they will also rattle as you go over bumps in the road.
4. CV Joints or U-Joints:-
Worn CV or U-joints are not, in themselves, inherently dangerous when they fail. In most instances, their failure can simply leave you stranded in a parking space, or worse, on the side of the road. If you suspect CV or U-joints are the cause of the noises you’re hearing, it’s best to have them looked at by a professional right away.
5. Tie Rod Ends:-
The Tie rods are important in keeping your car under control, and any noise that is associated with them should be inspected immediately. Depending on the age and type of vehicle that you own, there can be either a rack-and-pinion steering, a re-circulating ball, or, in older vehicles, a mechanical steering box.
Hence, these are some common causes that lead to clunking noise.
How To Fix The Issue Of Clunking Noise In The First Gear?
1. If there is low transmission fluid, it’s advised to check for the transmission fluid leaks. As low transmission fluid can cause clunking noise in first gear.
2. You need to inspect the tie rod ends as it is important in keeping your car under control, and any noise that is associated with them should be inspected immediately to avoid a dangerous situation from developing.
3. If you suspect CV or U-joints are the cause of the clunking noise in the first gear you’re hearing, it’s best to have them looked at by a professional right away.
4. If you suspect the exhaust hangers are the cause of the noise, get them checked and tightened as soon as possible. This will help to avoid additional damage and keep your exhaust pipe from coming loose and dragging the ground.
5. The Worn out ball joints are a real safety issue. If you believe this is the cause of your vehicle’s noise, have them checked out and replaced immediately.
6. If your motor or transmission mounts are failing, you’ll often feel the vibration from your drive-train inside the vehicle. If this situation is caught and corrected soon enough, you can mitigate damage to your vehicle and avoid costly repairs.
Hence, when you start hearing odd noises coming from your vehicle it is always safer and less costly to get them checked out sooner rather than later.
Conclusion:-
We hope the above-mentioned information about why there is a clunking noise in first gear will be helpful to all the readers. If anybody’s doubts persist feel free to comment in the comment section below. We’ll definitely try to solve your doubts as soon as possible.