Clunky high speed down shift, Oil leak, AC trouble

[wizechatmgr]

I found mine do transmit some additional noise over stock, but nothing like the metal on metal clunk/bang/slam I was previously experiencing. Also not all poly bushings are chemically or otherwise the same. Some may be better than others in respect to longevity and amount of vibration transmitted.

If your goal is as much silence/OEM as possible, find a used rubber.

I also suspect the shape of the upper one may also have a large amount to do with how much vibration is transmitted when switched to poly, in my case is was an angular offset rectangle - not the typical circular one I almost always hear described.

[Mootman]

I'm still trying to track down the mysterious clunk, which is mostly noticeable at highway speeds. I have inspected all the rubber bushes and mounts that I can find and all appears OK. I replaced the upper engine torque mount, as it was a goner. The rubber ends of the main drive shaft look fine as well. I found out from a mechanic who had previously worked on the car that the drive shaft had been replaced with a used unit. One part that I am suspect of is the rubber center support bushing on the drive shaft. How much side to side movement should one expect to see when pushing sideways at that location? This clunk is definitely noticeable at high speed gear changes, particularly when accelerating after coasting. The tranny shifts and there is a sudden change in torque, causing this disturbing clunk. Could something be wrong with the rear differential, as it feels like it's coming from the rear of the car? Is there a thrust bearing under there somewhere? There is no other strange noise or driving problem with the car. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Mootman]

Forgot one thing: does anyone know how to turn off the check engine light on this model? Can I use the "erase codes" function on my code scanner to turn it off, or is that asking for trouble? Thanks!

[Mootman]

Been a while but I wanted to share what finally ended the clunky shifting problem. Since the car was new to me I decided to change the transmission fluid. I did the fluid change as per the IPD instructions and after that the clunk was gone. I'm pretty sure it had never been changed, as what came out looked like heavily used motor oil! I'm actually considering doing it again soon, just to make sure all the crud has been cycled out of the tranny.