Thud During Gear Change

[seerwan]

Dear All,

I hope you can help me with this.

My car is a 1996 LS 400, mileage is 190,700 miles.

As I shift the gear to "Drive", a quite loud and VERY violent thud that reverberates the entire car happens.

It also happens when the car is in gear and i am not applying pressure on the accelerator, then apply my foot to the accelerator.

It is SO very violent it is as if the Hulk is PUNCHING the car from the back, its a loud BOOM.

This started happening months ago, but earlier it was not as bad. Recently, the gear box died on me so i had the garage replace it with a used gearbox, which seems fine, but that loud thud noise has gotten a lot worse since.

The mechanics in the garage i take my car to have told me that its the rear bushings, and they showed me after lifting the car, and they do seem quite worn out, so is this really causing it, or is it because the differential is gone?...

Let me know if you need any further info.

Thanks.

[steve2006]

Seems a coincidence that this happened after the gearbox was replaced but mine did a similar thing after I replaced the starter motor and was due to incorrect adjustment of the kickdown cable which runs from the throttle spindle to the gearbox.

Another possible is worn propshaft rubbers.

[seerwan]

Seems a coincidence that this happened after the gearbox was replaced but mine did a similar thing after I replaced the starter motor and was due to incorrect adjustment of the kickdown cable which runs from the throttle spindle to the gearbox.

Another possible is worn propshaft rubbers.

And thanks for your input, Steve.

The thud used to happen Before changing the gearbox, by months, its just gotten worse after it.

And my mechanics told me it was the Bushings of the Driveshaft that cause it, they showed it to me and it was cracked, just wanted to know what you guys thought, so thanks.

1 more thing - the front suspension causes a clank when i go over speed bumps, they told me it was the shock absorber, and i need to change it.

as the car has finished 14 years of age, should i just say screw it and change:-

1 - all 4 shock absorbers

2 - the drive shaft bush

3 - the bushings for all 4 wheels

4 - the wishbones of all 4 wheels?

as look at this video from 07:34 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzMYT22PBeE...feature=related

basically revamp the suspension system?

And would this cost a lot of money?

[vyhanh]

How's the economy turmoil over there ?

Depends on whether you want to keep the car. These items are wear and tear items !!!!

[seerwan]

How's the economy turmoil over there ?

Depends on whether you want to keep the car. These items are wear and tear items !!!!

Im in the UAE, and its not too bad... thing is, im a final year university student, and im prolly leaving the country in about a year, so i know its unwise, but it is my car till then, so its my responsibility...

Wear and Tear, yes, but very long-term wear and tear, bout 10 years... plus:-

1 - the car might go to a friend or relative, so i should maintain it well.

2 - even if it doesnt, ill show any prospective buyer how new the stuff is, so there's less he has to do and worry about. =)

[landar]

The mechanics have seen the car up close and personal. And their diagnosis seems to fit the symptoms you describe.

I would take their advice and have the bushings replaced.