2nd-3rd gear clunk

[cdmm151]

I need the solution for the 2nd-3rd gear clunk that everybody has that owns a 1500 4x4 crewcab? I will be taking it into the dealer soon and as before I don't want them to say it is normal. It is not. I have owned a 2002 suburban and now a 2005 surban and neither one did it.

[dogzapper]

Yeah, My 2003 Silverado Z-71 used to do it, too. The light-duty transmission just never seemed to figure it out, but I've heard that is just its nature. No harm done.

 

Ditto, our 2004 Tahoe.

 

As of one week ago, driving a brand-new 2006+ Duramax LBZ CC/SB with the new Allison 1000 six-speed transmission. The Allison is flawless; seamless shifts and is PERFECT in every way.

 

Here is a photo of my new beast.

 

Steve

[mikez]

I believe the problem is axle wrap and the reason that your tahoe or suburban does not do it is because they have trailing arms in the rear, not leaf springs. Axle wrap has been a problem with leaf springs for a long time. The only way Gm is going to eliminate the problem is to start putting trailing arms on the trucks.

[steve summers]

I believe the problem is axle wrap and the reason that your tahoe or suburban does not do it is because they have trailing arms in the rear, not leaf springs.  Axle wrap has been a problem with leaf springs for a long time.  The only way Gm is going to eliminate the problem is to start putting trailing arms on the trucks.

 

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My '94 Chevy ex cab doesn't do it, and my 2003 Silverado SS didn't do it. Both had leaf springs. So is there something unique about the design of the CC that causes the "axle wrap" that the other trucks didn't have? My '05 GMC CC does it and it is very annoying.

[mikez]

I believe the problem is axle wrap and the reason that your tahoe or suburban does not do it is because they have trailing arms in the rear, not leaf springs.  Axle wrap has been a problem with leaf springs for a long time.  The only way Gm is going to eliminate the problem is to start putting trailing arms on the trucks.

 

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My '94 Chevy ex cab doesn't do it, and my 2003 Silverado SS didn't do it. Both had leaf springs. So is there something unique about the design of the CC that causes the "axle wrap" that the other trucks didn't have? My '05 GMC CC does it and it is very annoying.

 

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I've had a 2000 sierra ext cab Z71 and it did it, 2003 sierra ext cab Z71 and it did it, and now a 2005 crew cab Z71 it does it too, but not as bad as the two prevoius. Also it seems to get worse as you put more miles on them. You can also look at the front of your leaf springs where the snubber from the overload leaf hits the leaf spring and notice a spot that begins to rust where the leaf spring constantly flexes. At least the 2003 and 2005 trucks that I've had do not make the squaking noise every time that I take off like the 2000 did. Apparently Gm revised the driveshaft yolk and is now making them out of different material now from what I understand.

[lizardman]

My 2000 1500 Extended cab 4x4 did it since day1. It is evidently a stupid design of GM on the 4wd truck although I'm sure it helps the drivetrain. It happens because of the angle of the drive shaft and because it is shorter than on 2wd's. I complained about it for 5.5 years until I just traded for an 06 1500 Crewcab 2wd. 2wd trucks dont do it. All the service guy and GM theirself would say is "grease it". The driveshaft is designed to slide back/forth as needed in the splines. Because of the angle of the driveshaft, it almost always slides back forward on starting or second gear. It seemed to clunk worse after heavy braking, and sometimes even felt like someone hit me in the rearend. GM will NEVER "fix" this and the only solution that they had was to replace the front end of the driveshaft with a nickel plated that was supposed to slide morte smoothly. Guess what, it doesn't!!!!! I really loved my 4x4, but I hated that noise and feel so much, it just ruined my love for that truck. Like I said, my new 2wd Chevy doesnt do it(At least yet, and I hope it doesnt ever start) and I am O so happy with it. Oh and Mikez, your crewcab probably doesnt do it as much is likely because the driveshaft is a little longer, and there is less of an angle. Thats only my speculation though.

 

Hope that answers your question, because thats how how GM treated it for me.

 

Rod

[ken1mod]

My 2000 1500 Extended cab 4x4 did it since day1.  It is evidently a stupid design of GM on the 4wd truck although I'm sure it helps the drivetrain.  It happens because of the angle of the drive shaft and because it is shorter than on 2wd's.  I complained about it for 5.5 years until I just traded for an 06 1500 Crewcab 2wd.  2wd trucks dont do it.  All the service guy and GM theirself would say is "grease it".  The driveshaft is designed to slide back/forth as needed in the splines.  Because of the angle of the driveshaft, it almost always slides back forward on starting or second gear.  It seemed to clunk worse after heavy braking, and sometimes even felt like someone hit me in the rearend.  GM will NEVER "fix" this and the only solution that they had was to replace the front end of the driveshaft with a nickel plated that was supposed to slide morte smoothly.  Guess what, it doesn't!!!!!  I really loved my 4x4, but I hated that noise and feel so much, it just ruined my love for that truck.  Like I said, my new 2wd Chevy doesnt do it(At least yet, and I hope it doesnt ever start) and I am O so happy with it.  Oh and Mikez, your crewcab probably doesnt do it as much is likely because the driveshaft is a little longer, and there is less of an angle.  Thats only my speculation though.

 

Hope that answers your question, because thats how how GM treated it for me.

 

Rod

 

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I have to agree that this clunk is what is called axle wrap. It is harmless but annoying. The concept is supposed to be controlled by the shock absorbers. Some sort of traction bar system would eliminate it.

 

ken

[5.3almnblk]

A/T - 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Clunk Explanation

 

File In Section: 07 - Transmission/Transaxle

 

Bulletin No.: 01-07-30-042A

 

Date: December, 2002

 

INFORMATION

 

Subject:

Information on 2-3 Upshift or 3-2 Downshift Clunk Noise

 

Models:

2003 and Prior Light Duty Trucks

with 4L60E or 4L65E Automatic Transmission (RPOs M30, M32)

 

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2003 model year as well as information about 3-2 downshift Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-07-30-042 (Section 07 - Transmission/Transaxle).

 

Bice Rig!!

 

Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk noise that can be heard on a 2-3 upshift or a 3-2 downshift.

 

During a 2-3 upshift, the 2-4 band is released and the 3-4 clutch is applied. The timing of this shift can cause a momentary torque reversal of the output shaft that results in a clunk noise. This same torque reversal can also occur on a 3-2 downshift when the 3-4 clutch is released and the 2-4 band applied. This condition may be worse on a 4-wheel drive vehicle due to the additional tolerances in the transfer case.

 

This is a normal condition. No repairs should be attempted.

[cdmm151]

There is a newer TSB out that I found and it is number 05-07-30-012 May 05. I dound have access to the complete TSB so if anybody does please post it for me.

Also I think some of you guys are talking about the clunk you feel after coming to a stop then feeling a clunk when you begin to go again. If this is so the fix for that is to remove the driveshaft and put Propeller grease from GM on the splines then replace the shaft.

[opsbear7]

I have a 2003 Silverado 1500 Z71....I have the same thing...i bought this truck used so i was freaking out at first. after reading this it calmed me. I have been driving it for about a month now and i dont even notice it anymore. It seems to be worse with faster acceleration

[fossil]

Most, if probably not all 4x4 ext cab short box trucks use the one piece rear drive shaft. There is nothing to grease on these.

The clunk on my truck only occurs under very light throttle application with a 2-3 shift at 38kph. Under normal acceleration the clunk is not there. You would figure if the explanation of the TSB were correct, a shift kit would solve the problem.

[grizzlyrafting]

have 2006 sierra Z71 4x4 and it does it all the time and drives me crazy because I know something is wearing as result and will prematurely fail inside.. I have had the software updated at GM and no change.. Will be soon selling the truck because of this annoyance..

[tanker4lyfe]

I have a 2010 CC 4x4 Z71 and I notice nothing at all. Does it shift as smooth as a 745 I-class no of course not its a truck. And i love it and plan on driving it till it dies.