Clunk when shifting
Clunk when changing gear/on-off throttle; mounts, driveshaft, backlash.
MEDIUM RISK
Common symptoms
- See page for quick checks
Cost expectations
Typical costs vary by car and region. Use this as a ballpark.
- DIY / parts: £20–£80
- Garage / labour: £80–£250
Most likely causes (ranked)
Start at the top. Rule out the common, cheap causes before expensive ones.
- Engine/gearbox mounts
- Driveshaft/CV play
- Excess drivetrain backlash
- Loose subframe bolts
- DMF wear
Quick checks (fast, low-cost)
Fast checks you can do with basic tools before buying parts.
- Inspect mounts for tears.
- Check CV joints/boots.
- Note if clunk is worse in reverse/1st.
- Check for loose exhaust contact.
- If severe, get inspection.
Recommended tools
These tools make diagnosis faster and stop you buying random parts.
Related fixes
If your symptoms don’t match perfectly, check these next.
What to do next
- Replace failed mounts to prevent further damage.