OK. I love my SRT-6, but it has given me more trouble than all of my previous cars combined and I have only owned it since Jan '06. The most recent problem is a rattle and a large clunk from the rear end at slow speeds when lifting off of the throttle. This noise started about 5 weeks ago and I finally brought it into the dealership today. The dealer checked it out and claims that it is normal transmission backlash. What are your thoughts/opinions? Has anyone else experienced the same thing?

Kevin

 

See if you get the same clunking when you manually use the 5 speed auto and report back. Winding it up a bit and upshift. Then slow down for a corner by downshifting 2 gears (or more, depending upon whether you are braking prior to entering the corner). Our SRT-6 only has a clunk when just going into reverse when the whether is cold. But, what you say doesn't sound like "normal" tranny backlash... If you bought your SRT-6 used, or if it had more than 1,000 miles on it and you were told it was an "exec" car, you could have been sold one that was an SRT Track Experience car. See the thread on this board about that. A user named "Danno" can check your VIN number to see if it was an "exec" car. He works at Daimler/Chrysler. That fact, if found, could explain your clunking and/or backlash... Car was beat hard at a track, possibly... Still covered under warranty though. You shouldn't be able to hear or feel "normal" backlash on a new car with low miles. Might try another dealership too... The techs trained for SRT-6's are few and far between.

See this link for the "Track Experience" cars:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ad.php?t=10283

 

was dealer able to replicate the sound? or based the diagnosis on a guess? the clunking... is it favored to one side???

i had clunking on my XF... brought it to the dealer and of all things it was a loose suspension!!! they torqued the rear suspension up and it was gone!

j

 

You know, that makes sense since it happens when he lifts his foot off the throttle which would make the weight transfer back to the front and off the rear... Hence the clunk... Ya, try to tighten that up and give it a shot. Sounds like the dealership is just skirting the issue... Much better to have suspension a bit loose than tranny backlash or tranny issues. If the clunk happens when power shifting or downshifting, then that would be another issue.

 

cudaman and xfire1,
Thanks for the replies. I bought the car new with only 17 miles on it, so I shouldn't have to worry about the car being abused during the SRT Experience. I will try your suggestions and will bring it back to the dealership if I am not satisfied. Will keep you posted.

Kevin

 

i also caught the clunking when i would make some SPIRITED turns ...

 

I get a rear clunk off the line at moderate acceleration just about every time since day one. Since it doesn't happen when down shifting I'm wondering if my situation is transmission related instead of suspension. The guys at the dealer claim they didn't feel it. This is just one of the items on my to do list.

 

GoodEnough,
I'm not sure if mine is suspension or transmission related, but the noise is more prominent after lifting off the throttle. I do have a slight clunk when accelerating, but that has been there since day one. I will take the car to a different dealer and see what their diagnosis is.

Kevin

Off to Daytona for the SRT Experience on Sunday.

 

In talking to the track experience guys the one problem they had with some of the srt6's after beating them was the diff.This does not apply to your new car and they admit that they push their cars way past what most street cars will ever see but it may be something to keep an eye on.