Clunk, clunk, clunk... (tranny - differential)

[Jimbo]

I drove a relatively low mileage (29K) 92 NSX this past weekend and I was surpsrised by the clunky drivetrain.

I know that some differential backlash is common in all NSXs but this seemed excessive. It was pretty annoying when I was driving it. Any but a 100% perfect launch upon start out would give the clunk-clunk sound.

Does anyone know if this backlash or extra play can be adjusted or shimmed out? Or perhaps it could be something else? Motor mounts?

-Jim

 

[matteni]

I drove a relatively low mileage (29K) 92 NSX this past weekend and I was surpsrised by the clunky drivetrain.

I know that some differential backlash is common in all NSXs but this seemed excessive. It was pretty annoying when I was driving it. Any but a 100% perfect launch upon start out would give the clunk-clunk sound.

Does anyone know if this backlash or extra play can be adjusted or shimmed out? Or perhaps it could be something else? Motor mounts?

-Jim

Hi Jimbo - I eliminated some of mine by tightening up the 4 motor mounts. That said there is a fair amout of it still in the drivetrain as reported by a lot of people and in a lot of threads.

It is "one of those things" like:

- sewing machine sounds
- condensation under rear center lens
- crack where the temp sensor is on the front of the dash
- cracks behind the visors
- tire life
- bubbles in the dash console
- rougher then an Accord idle
- grit that forms on rear bumper
- fiddling with the gas cover spring to keep it working properly
- the cycle of the ABS occasionally

that remind us we are still on earth and not in heaven - yet.

That said - one trip through some sweepers at VTEC nervana and all is forgotten and forgiven...

 

[Jimbo]

Nick,

I know. My 92 NSX has a slight clunkiness but this other 92 seemed noticeably "clunkier."

I'll inspect the mounts the next time I look at it but I was wondering if anyone had knowledge of the tranny/diff guts would know if this backlash could be better and worse in some cars than others and if so, could it be shimmed or adjusted somehow.

Rgds,
Jim

 

[matteni]

Jim,

I remember Larry B. and others going back and forth about this and it was normal and there was no way to adjust it. Not every car is going to have the same amount either.

I remember people posting that a new differential still makes the noise to an extent that surprised the owner expecting it to go away.

I will try to dig up the posts later for you but I could sware you were even in on some of the discussions.

 

[NoSeX4U]

On top of all the above-stated chronic flaws, I find my car is perpetually getting dirty...and I find I have to constantly top up the fluids in the gas-tank! Damn you, Honda! Why couldn't you build a user-friendly, perfect magic car that can re-grow it's worn parts, maintain itself, and go to the store for me when I'm feeling lazy?!? I could've bought a Volvo, but no....

 

[Malibu Rapper]

I wanna try to revive this thread. I finally started noticing this after I recently had my clutch replaced. It almost sounds as if something is loose and is hitting something in the back.

This is supposed to be normal? It happens to me when I accelerate in 1st gear and I hear it only once. Seems like the harder I push the car, the louder the clunk sound. Why didn't this happen when I had my old clutch?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Motor Mounts,

Need to be "adjusted". Search and you shall find

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22943&highlight=motor+mounts

HTH,
LarryB