clunk/jerk when shift the lever

[knl25]

I just had a remanufactured transmission put in my 2000 3.8L. It runs and shifts well except for a small problem. There is a slight clunk or jerk when shifting the transmission shift lever when the car is stopped (either back to P or out of P or into D). I brought back to the mechanic and he said it could be the motor mounts. The engine moves when he shifts.

Does any of you have this problem? Could this be the motor mounts or CV half shaft because I also had the right axle replaced with a brand from Advanced Auto? Or is this a transmission issue in which case I have to speak to Ford where I bought the trans?

[rpm4kt]

Yes this is a comon prob in any type of car when the motor mount starts to go, it leaves space in the cavity there for when you shift from park to reverse or drive the rpms move the moter forward or back quickly and nothing to take the shock. most motor mounts have ruber in them or polymer so this could have gone bad inside if you dont see a prominate break in the mount. RPM

[knl25]

Originally Posted by rpm4kt

Yes this is a comon prob in any type of car when the motor mount starts to go, it leaves space in the cavity there for when you shift from park to reverse or drive the rpms move the moter forward or back quickly and nothing to take the shock. most motor mounts have ruber in them or polymer so this could have gone bad inside if you dont see a prominate break in the mount. RPM

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I thought the bad mounts would cause these symptoms but it's strange that I did not have this problem with the old transmission and also I dont' see a lot of problems with engine mounts on this forum.

[garync1]

Well seeing that they pulled the trans.They could have seen the motor mounts were bad. But by pulling the trans could have damaged an already bad motor mount. Just a guess unless you replace it or check it out to make sure its bad.

[rpm4kt]

what he said above is true and also check the trany mount if they didnt replace it or install it corecly it could have some play also. just an idea. RPM

[12Ounce]

The reman tranny will have a bit more "oomph", or snap, when the gears are shifted compared to the old one. Your noise maker could be one or more of the mounts as mentioned. It could also be the sub-frame mounts. Inner and outer tie rod ends. Anti-sway bar links and bushings. I'm changing most of these on my '99 as I rebuild the engine and swap the tranny ... not inexpensive to do all these so get ready to dig deep if you go after all of them.

I would draw your attention to the anti-sway bar bushings (and links). These can have a huge impact on your steering and often go unnoticed. I could not believe how much the bushings on the anti-sway bar had worn at 200k miles. These are not that expensive and fairly easy to change out. Probably not your noise maker .... but could be.

[knl25]

Actually both of my anti-sway bars were shot (@140K) so I had those replaced while the trans was replaced. I will have the mounts replaced next week. Kind of getting sick at throwing money in this van

[12Ounce]

Were the bushings and links replaced?

[knl25]

Originally Posted by 12Ounce

Were the bushings and links replaced?

I only replaced the links. How many bushings do I need for each side? Do you a picture of where the bushings are?

Thanks!

[12Ounce]

There are only two bushings. They are "support" bushings inside the clamps that hold the sway bar to the sub-frame. Unless the hold down screws are rusty or something, this is an easy job. Do one side at a time.