Hi All,

I just recently purchased a 2002 Honda S2000 with about 30,000 miles on it. I am hearing this thud when I go from neutral to 1st gear. I'll describe in detail when this sound occurs.

- When the car is on a slope and I'm not stepping on the clutch and I release the brake, the car rolls forward a little. At this point if I step on the brakes then clutch in, and then shift to first, I heard a thud from the rear.

- If the car doesnt move and I let go of the clutch and step on it again and go into first from neutral, no sound and everything is fine.

- If I go back to neutral and release the clutch and brake and proceed to let the car roll forward a little and then step on brakes and clutch and shift into first, I get the thud again.

Been googling this for a bit but cannot seem to find any article about it whatsoever. Does anyone else have this problem or know what may be causing it ? The car drives normal and shifts normal while driving.

Another problem I got is difficulty in getting into first and reverse from neutral. Reverse is especially bad. I can get into it but I have to use a bit of force. No crunching or anything. I found a TSB for it but not sure if Honda will fix this for free. Anyway thanks for any info that you can provide. Cheers.

https://www.s2ki.com/stor/library/TSB/A02-046/index.htm

 

I have this same problem as well. I hear that "thudd" sound from the rear. never really bothered me though. This would be interesting to find out what it is though.

 

Bucky....

Think you can solve both issues with just a simple change in procedure.

When you step in on the clutch...if you try and go to 1st right after you get the clutch in .....the tranny has not quit spinning fully and you get a "thud" when it goes into 1st.

Getting into 1st or reverse easily....probably same issue.....

How to loose the "thud"......start with your car running in neutral and clutch out......

Push the clutch in....count 3-2-1...go to 2nd gear....then (keeping clutch in) go to 1st or reverse. You should not hear the "thud" then.

Giving the transmission a 3 count from clutch in...just gives time for things to spin down. Going to 2nd before either 1st or reverse.....just seems to line up the gears to make it easier.

Give it a try....don't cost nothing....and I hope it helps.

Red

 

xredjar is right.

press in clutch, wait a couple seconds, slowly engage 1st gear, and no thud. works like a charm for me.

 

Great thanks for the advice guys!

 

sounds like wear on the ring and pinion to me

 

Thanks for the quick response guys. Is this actually normal or something has worn out like realblag said ? I am just worried something might go off if I leave it like that.

 

 

[QUOTE=haywoodjablome,Jul 15 2010, 02:33 PM]

 

This "issue" is perfectly normal. Like they told you, it is because the clutch is out and the tranny is spinning but in neutral. When you disengage the clutch, it continues to spin down due to inertia. When you put the tranny in gear, you are engaging the tranny with the stationary drive shaft -- hence the light thud as it stops. Many people never hear this because they sit at the traffic light with their clutch pedal pushed in but they, of course are wearing their throw out bearing.