Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
#1
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
I have a 2014 GT with the track package (not sure if that'll factor in). I'm hearing/feeling a clunk when I'm coasting and then press the gas, or if I've got the gas pedal pressed for a while while driving and then let off. I'm also sometimes getting the clunk if I'm sitting in neutral for a little while (like at a stop light or a fast food drive through) and then put the car in gear. Would that be the universal joints on the driveshaft or would that be something else? I'm hoping it's just that and won't be too hard or pricey to fix. The car is still under warranty but if I can pick up a couple u-joints and do the repair myself for under $100 then I'd rather avoid the hassle of dropping it off at the dealership and being without the car for a couple days.
#2
Legacy TMS Member
Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
I'm pretty sure it's normal. Mine has it too, same scenarios, and it's pretty documented on here and other sites. I can't remember anyone actually getting a dealer to fix it - they always say it's normal operation.
#3
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
Ok. I wasn't sure because my girlfriend's 2011 GT/CS doesn't do it. Her car has about 6,000 more miles than mine so I would think they'd both be doing it. Oh well.
#4
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My TP does the same exact thing. I was wondering about that as well. I guess it's a "feature" on our cars I don't think there is anything "wrong" but rather there is some pretty loose tolerances somewhere. Maybe. My buddy has a GT with no TP or Brembos, and his car doesn't do it ether.
If you find a way to fix it please let us know. It doesn't bug me too much, but for a new car it is a bit annoying.
If you find a way to fix it please let us know. It doesn't bug me too much, but for a new car it is a bit annoying.
Last edited by 5.M0NSTER; 8/6/15 at 11:09 AM.
#6
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
Hmmm...
My car is a track pack car with 3.73's and manual transmission.
My girlfriend's car is a non-track pack car with 3.55's and manual transmission.
My car is a track pack car with 3.73's and manual transmission.
My girlfriend's car is a non-track pack car with 3.55's and manual transmission.
#8
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
Could be. My cousin just bought a 2012 Roush Stage 3 that has 3.73's but it didn't start life as a track-pack. He's currently got it on Jack stands awaiting his overpriced brake rotors to get delivered. Once he's got the car back on the road I'm going to have him give me a ride and see if he's got the clunking too. His car has about 34,000 miles.
#10
Bullitt Member
Mine is a manual with 3.31's and it has the same clunk from driveline lash. If you want to minimize the clunk, install an adjustable upper control arm(mine is the Steeda) and do the math to set up the drive shaft angle properly. The only time I hear it now is when I'm hard on the gas and then engage the clutch quickly. During normal operation and even spirited runs, I no longer hear the clunk.
#11
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Do I have a bad universal joint(s)?
Do you find that the Steeda adjustable upper control arm adds any noise or vibration? I've heard some people say they do.
#12
Bullitt Member
I do hear/feel the gears in the pumpkin sometimes, but it is not that noticeable or annoying. Someone with the 3.73 gears might have a different experience as they seem to have more noise associated with them. The more expensive option would be to replace the stock two piece driveshaft with a one piece but you would still need the adjustability to correct the angle.
#13
John H,
Let me know if I can help assist with the upper control arm - happy to provide forum pricing or provide any additional support that you may need.
You can reach me at tim@steeda.com.
Best Regards,
TJ
Let me know if I can help assist with the upper control arm - happy to provide forum pricing or provide any additional support that you may need.
You can reach me at tim@steeda.com.
Best Regards,
TJ
#14
GT Member
Most likely it's slack in the drive line. I don't have it in mine, but it's a common complaint among Camaro and Mustang owners.
Replacing the two piece drive shaft with a one piece has its downfalls too. NVH becomes a big issue with a one piece drive shaft.
It can be minimized by adopting different habits when shifting. A few Corvette owners have complained about it as well and this has helped them minimize the clunking.
Replacing the two piece drive shaft with a one piece has its downfalls too. NVH becomes a big issue with a one piece drive shaft.
It can be minimized by adopting different habits when shifting. A few Corvette owners have complained about it as well and this has helped them minimize the clunking.
Last edited by CriticalmassGT; 8/8/15 at 05:02 PM.
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