If anyone has put the wavetrac to the test, Jim has....... I haven't had any issues with either car.... you get a little noise from time to time....but, it is normal

 

Once I get out of temp base housing and into my house (with all my tools) I'll re-attack this... unless it breaks hard sooner.


For those that need all the notes in one place:


- The main "clunk" is when firmly applying the brakes, and switching between D & R or vice-versa. If I softly apply brakes and let the car move a little when engaging the gear, no sound is heard.
- It is NOT any portion of the rear differential as I swapped it back to stock to verify.
- I removed and checked the driveshaft incl. flex plates and center support and bolts - no problems.
- I replaced the transmission mount as the bolt holes were semi-stripped from the last shop's install.
- The motor mount "appear" to be ok. As I'm by myself, all I could do was a visual. (not ruling out).
- I removed and checked the axles/cv joints (appear ok but also not ruling out)
- I inspected all rear subframe and suspension bushings and mounts - all appear ok (will check again)


I will post again once I can get back under the car and re-check some stuff...

 

Everything that Buggin writes is the same as mine. I park on a slight decline at work and everything I park and it rolls forward until the transmission catches the sound happens. I of course hear it from the driver real wheel area as it is closest to me when getting out of the car while it is rolling forward. I think it could be the rear suspension links. I had checked them the last time I had everything apart and couldn't find anything that looked unusual and everything was still torqued.

 

Do you have any vibration when going down the highway and have you checked the splines on the drive shaft and the u-joints?

 

Did we ever find out what the issue was? I am starting to have similar noises. Mainly when I start from a stop and when I shift from Park to drive.

 

i had a similar issue long ago- but my sifter was moving to the right side under load-the motor mount was broke-i tied it down with steel cable 40000 miles ago

 

Nope, I gave up and finally brought it to a "supposed" AMG certified shop... they had it for 3 weeks and it stumped them too... They said drive it til something breaks so they can fix it. lol


I need to figure it out soon though, because I'm thinking of trying to sell it.

 

Well I am having the same clunking noise when I start to move both forward or backwards. The sound seems to be coming from the back end of the car. I have a 2005 Limited coupe. It seems to happen when I use the brakes. When I let off the emergency brake or use the service brakes for the car. I replaced the rear pads and the thud is still there. I have gotten a lot of ideas on other things to check from here. If someone finds the solution please post.

 

Are there different rims/spacers on the hubs? If so, could any bolts be a little too long and rubbing anything internal? Also conical vs tapered bolt seats on the rims? Sorry, seems everything else has been covered. Good luck!


.

 

Is the clunk on one side or the other, or does it seem to be centrally located ?

 

I've been chasing this noise for a couple years... even the mechanics gave up and said "drive it til something breaks... then we can fix it". I've just been driving it as is.


Every person that has looked at it has been stumped. No wheel spacers, OEM wheels/lugs, all it snug, etc... Clunk seems to be more on drivers side for me, but it changes to more central at times.


Good LUCK!

 

I get the drivetrain clunk sometimes, not too often but it is there at times.
I think it is a sticky valve, you go through reverse before you hit drive and the clunk comes when the valve for reverse is a bit slow changing, the drive shafts go from reverse to forward suddenly.
That's what I think causes my clunk.

 

I'd be interested in hearing if that ends up being the problem for yours. Two of the guys that looked at/listened to my car own a tranny repair business for 40+yrs and didn't suggest that at all. I'll ask him when I see him this weekend.

 

It happens so infrequently that I am not worried, so I will not be trying to cure the problem.

 

The rubber mount for the carrier bearing may be wore out. I had a noise as such and grabbing the D-shaft it moved about 1/4" which is too much. rubber don't last much past 10 years if driven in winter conditions.