Transmission Clunk noise at low speeds

[dmw98path]

Basic info:
- 2008 Rogue SL AWD.
- Actually had CVT transmission replaced (had input seal leak early on)
- Got TCM/ECM reprogrammed via CVT rattle service campaign

At very low speeds 0-5mph I can let off the gas and sometimes get a clunk sound from under car in transmission area. If I keep the car speed constant or accelerate there isn't a sound. A good scenario would be coming out of a parking space, moving the car forward a bit, seeing someone, lifting off the gas and preparing to cover the brake. There would be that potential for the clunk (or clunk clunk) noise to occur. This isn't something that just started, its been around as long as I can remember.

Anyone encounter something like this?

Thanks,
-dan

[ImStricken06]

Basic info:
- 2008 Rogue SL AWD.
- Actually had CVT transmission replaced (had input seal leak early on)
- Got TCM/ECM reprogrammed via CVT rattle service campaign

At very low speeds 0-5mph I can let off the gas and sometimes get a clunk sound from under car in transmission area. If I keep the car speed constant or accelerate there isn't a sound. A good scenario would be coming out of a parking space, moving the car forward a bit, seeing someone, lifting off the gas and preparing to cover the brake. There would be that potential for the clunk (or clunk clunk) noise to occur. This isn't something that just started, its been around as long as I can remember.

Anyone encounter something like this?

Thanks,
-dan

i have the same thing. its the steel belt inside the cvt loosing tension by you releasing the gas

[kerrton]

Hi there, unfortunately it sounds like your CVT has issues, eithe with internal components or perhaps related to the transfer case but I'd bet money on internal CVT issues like ImStricken suggests. The only thing I can say is that this is definately not normal and you need to take it in to Nissan Service for diagnosis - I'd bet on another replacement CVT but you won't know for sure until you take it for diagnosis. Please let us know how it turns out.

[harryg]

I don't think anything is wrong with the CVT

It sounds like the same clunk I get, and I believe it is just the torque convertor locking/disengaging causing this "bucking" kind of feeling
It has been happening for as long as I can remember too...
2009 Rogue SL AWD 20,000km

[ImStricken06]

i too dont think there is anything wrong. it could be the TQ converter like harrva stated, or the belt slap i described.

[kerrton]

It's tough to say for sure, there a two things being described here: 1) a "clunk" noise at low speeds, 2) what I call the CVT "surge" as the torque converter locks up early under light acceleration as harryg described - this casuses the car to shutter or "buck" for a few seconds as you accelerate, but I've never had any odd noises accompany the shutter/surge/bucking.

I have had the "surge" torque converter issue since new and I believe it is the way the powertrain was designed and doesn't indicate a problem. I don't like this characteristic, but I can live with it because I don't believe it is a problem.

But I don't believe the transmission should ever make a definate "clunk" noise as dmw98 reports. My transmission is always silent, except when it was new it had the dreaded CVT belt rattle at low parking lot speeds, and this resulted in CVT replacement. The new unit has been silent for 50,000 km of mostly city driving, other than a whine at highway speeds on hot days, but thats a different story.

I still feel strongly that if any of you are experiencing a "clunk" from your drivetrain you shouldn't accept this as normal, definatley try to get it to the dealer before your 5-year warranty expires. If a clunk was normal, we'd all be experiencing it and I know that is not the case.

[ImStricken06]

when in a parking lot, accelerating from zero to about 5mph, quickly let go of the gas pedal. you should experience this clunk we are talking about.
if not, try it from 0-3mph
if not try it from 0-10mph.

but eventually you should get that clunk we are talking about. it also threw me off at first, but the more i experienced it - the more kinda wanna say its normal-ish for this transmission. we have a belt, and two pulley's that change in size, and a TQ converter that locks very early. i think that combo should cause a clunk somewhere or another. and the clunker should be the steel belt.

[dmw98path]

Yes, it is more like that 0 - 3mph and a quick release of the gas. It is like the transmission wants to go to 2nd (or is already in 2nd) but kicks back down and gives a little clunk. Next time I go for an oil change at the dealer (July) I'll ask them to check it out. If one drives careful it is easy enough to avoid. My concern is 3-4 years from now--is it a problem.
I'll post what the dealer tells me.

[ImStricken06]

It is like the transmission wants to go to 2nd (or is already in 2nd)

we dont have a "2nd" nor 1st, or anything like that for that matter lol

[dmw98path]

I realize the rogue has a CVT and the paddles "simulate" a shift from 1-6 speeds but it seemed easier to describe the situation by suggesting a physical transmission switch which is kind of what it feels like. I do like the CVT over the traditional clunky transmissions where you can notice the shift. As with most things, it does have its trade off in that it too is not "perfect."

[kerrton]

I can't reproduce the noise, unless it is extremely subtle, I definately cannot generate a clunk or any noise under those conditions and I did have my window open and listening carefully. I still recommend mentioning it to your Nissan service shop, make sure they're able to reproduce the noise and aknowledge it, and make sure they document that they heard the noise in the system and on your invoice.

[ImStricken06]

I can't reproduce the noise, unless it is extremely subtle, I definately cannot generate a clunk or any noise under those conditions and I did have my window open and listening carefully. I still recommend mentioning it to your Nissan service shop, make sure they're able to reproduce the noise and aknowledge it, and make sure they document that they heard the noise in the system and on your invoice.

trust me, you wont need your window open. its a sudden THUMB/clunk that you can feel more than need to hear.
its like it goes from 100 power to all of a sudden zero power.

it happens when the car has been sitting for a while too.

pull out of the driveway, put into drive, very gently give it gas up to 5mph and release throttle = "THUMB/CLUNK!"

[ImStricken06]

you know what else it might be!?
i just thought of this = the AWD magnetic-clutch disconnectiong at its 6mph limit, and its the exact moment we let go of the throttle.

[kerrton]

You could be right, I have FWD so no AWD clutch.

I know the sensation of the torque converter locking up early, or unlocking as you declerate and it can be a bit of a weird sensatoin but it doesn't make any noises.