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So if Im stopped at the light and I try to take off, as I release clutch pedal there's clunking noise. It only happens when Im releasing clutch in 1st gear from take off, doesn't happen when Im shifting in other gears.

Does it maybe happen on hard braking? Could be a motor mount.

Nope, almost sounds like cv joint but it only does it when taking off in first gear. I think it might be clutch related but not 100% positive.

What if you go on and off power in 1st?

I had some ultra worn out LCA bushings that were clunking around in the housing... they'd only clunk when the direction of force changed (from brake/engine brake to accel)

Try to very carefully start in second, and see if the clunking continues.

I have the same issue but mine will also do it when simply accelerating in any gear. Going to check a few things out soon. Let us know if you solve it!

I just had alignment done. Prior to that I;ve replaced ball joints, tie rods and struts all around. Car handles like new except for that strange clunk in first gear.

If you have a v6 check your mid shaft axle bracket (that attaches to the back of the block), I had this same problem and found that my brackets bolts all loosened up and fell out on me, in fact, it did it again just recently. Thanks for reminding me I had forgetten.

it only does it when taking off in 1st gear.

[LVPA]93GsSe wrote:If you have a v6 check your mid shaft axle bracket (that attaches to the back of the block), I had this same problem and found that my brackets bolts all loosened up and fell out on me, in fact, it did it again just recently. Thanks for reminding me I had forgetten.

The mid shaft bolts are known to be a problem. The engine block corrodes along the length of the bolts holes and eventually the bolt won't tighten. The holes are blind thread so go with a bottoming tap for sure. I reamed mine out and went to a 7/16 bolt (next size up).

Have you tried jacking the front end and turning the wheels by hand? When starting off can you feel the clunking anywhere, hands, clutch foot?

It seems like it's coming from suspension (drivers side)

Screw it, just replace the axle assembly. If it still clunks get a second job, your going to need it. mwahaha.

Daninski wrote:Screw it, just replace the axle assembly. If it still clunks get a second job, your going to need it. mwahaha.

axles are new so is rest of the suspension.

Ive decided to take a better look at it past weekend. Took wheels off and inspected all the suspension parts and everything looked good. I installed wheels and instead of torquing them to 75ft/lbs like I usually do I went to 80ft/lbs and now mysterious noise is gone.

Oddly enough I have the same exact issue. A clunk when taking off and never notice it any time after that as well . I have new lower ball joints, tie rod ends (outer) lower control arm bushings. The only thing I can think of is maybe worn out upper strut mounts but those are newish (6 years old). I mostly started to notice it after I replaced the regular lower control arm bushings with urethane ones but have greased them several times since with marine grease and I don't even drive in the rain. Axle's are also newer but recently launched the passenger axle showing off .