[g35Element]

I have a 2003 Ex 5 speed (awd) with about 100k mikes. It started making a clunking noise, speed related, not RPM a few days ago. The noise almost sounds like something is on the tire or drive train and hitting the elements body with each revolution.. the noise will go away in neutral or if the clutch is disengaged.

I took it to the dealer and paid the 150$ diagnostic fee. I was hoping this was something they were familiar with and it would be the throw out bearing..
Service writer states "your Element has a noise inside the transmission" NO Sheit. " so we need to replace it" I asked what was specifically wrong and he had no answer..SO im pulling the E out tomorrow and going to have to take a different route.. HAs anyone here had a similar problem or know what this could be?

:-x

 

[Serj22]

I had this clunking that altered with speed, not RPms, and it turned out to be my rear differential, (on a GMC, not Honda) anyway, the differential made that noise, and after a while the ring and pinion just broke and the car would not go over 5mph. Since the Element is not RWD (to my knowledge) I don't think that's the problem, but I assume there's a similar differential up front to change the spin direction to the wheels. Maybe the problem lies there, or in the transfer case. I don't see why the transmission would cause it...

 

[ApriliaGuy]

..SO im pulling the E out tomorrow and going to have to take a different route..

Sorry, I don't have any ideas for ya (or remember hearing of a similar problem), but you should definitly get a second opinion.

If the noise stops when the car is moving 'cause you put it in neutral, it is prolly clutch or trans related (you prolly know this...just want to be clear) but if the noise continues when moving, and only goes away w/ vehicler stopped than it is likely axle/cv joint type thing.

Does going straight or turning make any difference?

What does the fluid look like? (You'll have to do a drain & fill to check it...assuming your $150 didn't get you one. )

Good luck.

 

[in2steam]

I could guess but the tranny and clutch would have to come out either way, at that point its just a matter of rebuilding or replacing. Sounds like a clutch problem by your description, but thats pretty hard to diagnose.

Chris

 

[in2steam]

Since the Element is not RWD (to my knowledge) I don't think that's the problem, but I assume there's a similar differential up front to change the spin direction to the wheels. Maybe the problem lies there, or in the transfer case. I don't see why the transmission would cause it...

The E is FWD/AWD

Yes there is a differential, every car has one, but they are pretty much in cased inside the transmission, either way you have to drop it.

chris

 

[ramblerdan]

Drain the transmission oil into a clear container and examine it carefully for debris.

 

[slimerdogs]

It sounds like you have a sore tooth on one of the gears. I have a trans for sale that I bought to make into a 6 speed and just never did it. It came out of one that did the helicopter thing. It is not the clutch or throwout bearing as you said its speed related not RPM related. Ther have been others that have had a gear tooth chip off and you will get a clunking sound that is speed related but it does sound like the final gears in the transmission witch again it has to come out and apart. Do a clutch replacement while its out. The fist think to do is what Ramblerdan said and filter the fluid through a white cloth and see if you have any metal in it. I do not know if the drain plug has a magnet on it.

 

[marksbug]

sound like clutch,or axle.but if its speed,probly not clutch,check tire to see if one is coming apart,or better yet awd,check rear drive shaft center bearing&support & ujoints thats probly the problem, no load no vibration, load it it goes out ow wack. trans probly fine. ,rear axle might also have picked up something, but that would do all the time.check all shafts,ujoints,cv.& couplers.good luck. your trans fluid probly needs changing any way so do it .& look at the oil& use a screen to catch any debreis

 

[kyote321]

i had a similar noise and it turned out to be the awd engagement link in the rear at about 60k. the sound reverberated along the shaft so it sounded like the tranny. honda paid 1700 in parts and i paid 300 labor. haven't had an issue since (95k now).

if you'd changed the fluid at least every 50k (i check the color at 30k) i doubt your tranny is shot.