Is it normal for the transmission to clunk?

[Hans Moleman]

When I let off the accelerator to coast the transmission makes a clunk/thump when I press on the accelerator again. It feels like either the transmission is downshifting or the torque converter locking up harshly.

It is the worst between 35 to 40 mph. Above 60mph not as bad but still be can felt.

Is this normal characteristic or not?

 

[Asugm13]

When I let off the accelerator to coast the transmission makes a clunk/thump when I press on the accelerator again. It feels like either the transmission is downshifting or the torque converter locking up harshly.

It is the worst between 35 to 40 mph. Above 60mph not as bad but still be can felt.

Is this normal characteristic or not?

Well it’s probably doing both... but like my wife’s doctor told her when she was prego and asked about some pain and she explained how it happened ever time she did this one thing... he just told her, “Don’t do that anymore.”

 

[Uglyducky]

Well it’s probably doing both... but like my wife’s doctor told her when she was prego and asked about some pain and she explained how it happened ever time she did this one thing... he just told her, “Don’t do that anymore.”

How does one not use the accelerator any more after coasting?

 

[Asugm13]

How does one not use the accelerator any more after coasting?

Use the brake...

But really there are a lot of things it could be.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Try greasing the slip yoke on the driveshafts. Also, check the drive shaft bolts, trans fluid level, and rear diff level. It may just be the rear diff has a little more backlash than usual.

 

[Hans Moleman]

I don’t think it’s the rear end back lash or lack of grease in the slip yoke because it doesn’t do this under 30 mph. If it were those things I think it would do them at all speeds.

I’m going to bring it to the dealer but I’m afraid they might say it is normal.

 

[Uglyducky]

Use the brake...

But really there are a lot of things it could be.

So when he wants to accelerate again, he uses the brake?

 

[<<<<]

Transmission doesnt clunk, at least 4 Runner's one. Try easiest and cheapest thing first, as mentioned earlier grease slip yoke. I suspect it's dry and binding some. GL

 

[Asugm13]

I don’t think it’s the rear end back lash or lack of grease in the slip yoke because it doesn’t do this under 30 mph. If it were those things I think it would do them at all speeds.

I’m going to bring it to the dealer but I’m afraid they might say it is normal.

Try what both members above have mentioned, they all are diy in your garage things and easily searched and located on here.

So when he wants to accelerate again, he uses the brake?

No, use the accelerator.

 

[Foxwiz]

When I let off the accelerator to coast the transmission makes a clunk/thump when I press on the accelerator again. It feels like either the transmission is downshifting or the torque converter locking up harshly.

It is the worst between 35 to 40 mph. Above 60mph not as bad but still be can felt.

Is this normal characteristic or not?

That doesn't sound normal at all. It looks like your 4runner is a 2018, so it is probably still under warranty. Take it in.

 

[Judd94]

My 17 does it too. The exact same thing same ranges are worst. I always figured it was normal as the trans seems to go into neutral when letting off gas then reengaging in fear when hitting gas.

 

[Hans Moleman]

My 17 does it too. The exact same thing same ranges are worst. I always figured it was normal as the trans seems to go into neutral when letting off gas then reengaging in fear when hitting gas.

Yep exactly. It's not big enough to make a jolt or shake. But I can hear and feel it.

It seems like the torque convertor lockup clutch is re-engaging but it doesn't do it smoothly at low speeds.

 

[JAXJeremy]

I've noticed the same in mine, but I don't have any clunk..I chalked it up to how it's geared.

 

[EmperorWurm]

my f150 does this as well....greasing the slip yoke fixed the issue.

 

[Big_Cuss]

My 2018 has no clunk. You should get it checked out.

And I know I don't have a lazy ear, either, because one of the reasons I sold my modded 3rd gen for a 5th gen is that the tranny was starting to make occasional sounds, and when I got the 5th gen, I paid extra attention to make sure I didn't have a lemon from the start.

 

[Cmmoriarty]

Hey all. Thanks for all the info and advice. Just wanted to chime in as my truck is currently being serviced for this very issue.

Purchased my 2013 trail used in August. I felt this ‘clunk’ exactly how you all described it.

Salesman described it as ‘not unusual’... mechanic (outside of the dealership) who conducted the safety inspection noted it to, but thought it was just the way the truck operated. I’m no mechanic and went with it.

Now, 7 months later, I get a shudder at about 35 MPH when holding at around 1500RPM.

Went in to get it checked and the Torque converter needs replacing (as diagnosed by the dealership).


Anyway, if it doesn’t feel right, check it out!

Be well!


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