"Clunk" Sound when selecting Reverse

[Z2TT]

Hello,

I have a 1987 Toyota Soarer with a A340E Automatic Transmission.

Whenever I select reverse, I hear a loud clunk and the car jerks.
I dont know much about Automatic transmissions so I'm not sure what it could be.
What exactly could be causing this?

Would the condition of the transmission fluid be the cause?
My fluid is still a red colour so must still be good.

Any Suggestions?

Thanks.

[oldcorollas]

have you checked the fluid level?

[Z2TT]

Fluid level is fine.

[Vios-GT_07]

tail shaft bushings? freeplay in the differential?

[fixeruperer]

does it go clunk before it engage's or after ?

[damo101]

shims for the brakes can cause this noise as well..maybe check them..

[Z2TT]

tail shaft bushings? freeplay in the differential?

Tail shaft bushings? isnt that a uni joint which is a roller bearing?

[Vios-GT_07]

yea that's what i meant.. uni joint thingo..

[hemi twofifteen turbo]

go from reverse into D into R into D and listen for 'slack'. This will let you know if it's uni joints or diff.... Alternatly get under the car and move the shaft with you hand to 'feel' for the noise.

[allencr]

Hello,

My fluid is still a red colour

Still smells fresh?
What about when selecting drive after reverse?
Any difference between using the brake or E-brake?
What is the idle RPM????????????????????????????

[river]

Hi,

Another way to check for slack joints is to cruise slowly (about 40kph) and take your foot of the accelerator and then re-apply it. If you hear a clunk then this is slack in the drive train - usually the uni-joints.

seeyuzz
river

[white ls]

with my ls400 iv been told its a flogged out gearbox mount and when reverse is selected the gearox slightly lifts, dont know how valid that suggestion is because iv never looked