HI,

 

I have recently started to get a load thud/clunk noise when shifting from park into reverse. No problems at all with forwards gears. Noise happens less often when car is warm but still happens. I've tried disengaging the AWD by inserting the fuse, still happens. Had a look at the trans fluid level/condition, looks good. Any help or ideas on how I can narrow it down would be greatly appreciated. Cheers in advance. 

BTW I should have mentioned it's a 2001 Forester.

Could be a universal joint for the driveshaft or engine mount. I know with old Fords that was a symptom of a u-joint. 

 

To rule out engine movement, open hood and watch top of intake manifold and go from a forward gear to reverse. If you have a helper, have them do it instead and watch the trans and engine for abrupt moving like lifting and dropping. 

 

For the driveshaft, you should be able to grab it and try twisting it and working back and forth. If a u-joint is bad, the shaft will be loose at one end or both.

Could be any of the mounts have become loose or worn, including the rear diff rubber mounts.

 

Looking underneath *from the side* while someone *you really trust* works in from D to R can be helpful.

Edited August 4, 201510 yr by CNY_Dave

Awesome thanks a lot for your help. Now to find somone I trust enough to shift the gears whilst I'm under it. Definitely sounds like it's coming from the front end/transmission. 

To be safe, you should block all 4 wheels front/back. Explain to whomever does this NOT to touch the gas pedal either unless their other foot is firmly on the brake + the wheels are blocked. Goosing it lightly can show movement.

I would do it from the side and use a mirror on a stick if need be. Or a phone on a selfie stick (the only proper use for one, remote video!)

Cheers for all the input. Managed to get clos enough the to have a look and after noticing a "fair" bit of movement - turns out the trans mount is well and truely gone. Will order and replace. Hopefully this resolves the issue.Thanks again

 

Nick.