occasional clunking sound

[cybermini]

May 2009

2005 Cooper with 65K miles

Sometimes when I start driving each day (car is cold) when i first start moving forward there will be a single 'clunk' before the car has traveled more than a few feet. It typically will not make the sound again while driving unless I go in reverse, and then it may also make 1 clunk after starting to roll.

This noise usually does not occur once the car warms up. It is almost like the brake is stuck and then releases... but there is no sign this is the issue.

One other bit of background info. During last winter I was stuck in traffic during a heavy snow. As traffic inched foward, it took over 1 hour to go 1/2 mile up a slick, snow covered hill. I'm not sure how many times I shifted, but my leg was very tired and I know I slipped the clutch way too much in that short time span. The car smelled 'burnt' for 2 days after this. The clutch did not feel different after this event, and still does not = feels strong and smooth ... but it was after this that the 'clunk' was first heard.

Has anyone over-heated a manual shift transmission?

Just looking for any insight you might have.

Thanks!
Blaine
Cincinnati, OH
USA

[CheekyMini]

I get the same clunk on my 2005 cooper when I pull over and in reverse too. I have no idea what it is I had engline mounts changed some told me it could be the brakes.

[Silverado]

Are you sure that it's not the ABS self-test. See below, taken from the FAQ :


"What's that 'clunk' noise my car makes at about 12mph?
Don't panic!

The clunk, or knock you hear when you first reach 12mph after starting the car is nothing to be concerned about. All MINI's perform an ABS self test when pulling away, that is what you are hearing."

Also, if you have the central locking set to lock automatically when you drive away (now standard in most countries), this activates at about the same speed, making a louder 'combined clunk'.

[cybermini]

Hmmm ... very interesting. Funny thing is that I never ever noticed this happening for the first 2+ years I owned the car. I like the stereo on when driving, but can hardly believe it has been doing that all along.

Thanks for the info

[mooneymini]

i had the very same thing. I had two engine mounts replaced under warranty and that fixed it. Have had no clunking since

[Nickyrider]

i get this too but only notice it when reversing up a slight incline.... but just ignore it....

[Wez007]

haha, thats the spirit Nickyrider, just ignore it haha! Thats what i do with most of my clunk and squeeks!