Recently I developed an random "clunk" when I'm releasing my clutch. It doesn't happen all the time...mainly when switching from reverse to 1st when starting up a hill... if I'm shifting slow on level ground I don't get the noise. I've identified what sounds like the problem, (when I use the handle part of a hammer and push this back downward, I am able to duplicate the sound) but I have no idea what this bar is called, so I can get what mount or bolts I need to fix it...because everything I need for any repair on my baby...is always special order where I live 🤦🏼‍♀️
It is located directly under the manifold hose that goes to the outside of the car. (not the one that goes from the engine to the supercharger) if your standing in front of the car looking down on the engine, it's to the left of the transmission mount.

I'd just really like to have what I need on hand, so I don't have to take everything apart twice 🙄

Thanks in advance! Happy motoring!

The bar is under this hose

 

That is the shifter counter weight. My guess is motor mounts are getting worn…

 

Thanks so much!

***update***@njaremka you were 1000% right! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! I really appreciate it!

 

Any additional updates here? Ive been chasing a "clunk/creek" and an occasional "pop" from what sounds to be the front drivers side. Had the shocks, struts, cv joints, tie rod ends checked. Replaced the bottom motor mount. I don't think it is suspension related. I've taken it on a lot of gravel bumpy back roads and it doesn't seem to be related. I tried to record the engine while driving it back and forth I'm my driveway but my phone either picks up too much of the engine noise or the noise is louder on the inside of the car than the outside.

Sometimes I swear it's as if I can feel whatever it is in the clutch pedal itself. 🤔 Side note: Replacing the motor mount did help some, as the shifter counter balance bar (I'm fairly certain that's probably not what that's actually called) is now staying in place and not freely moving... In the past year I've replaced the battery, coil packs, spark plugs, head gasket seal (twice) head gasket cover, serpentine belt, tensioner pulley, reverse lamp switch, intake hose, all four hub assemblies, tires, rims, rotors, front brakes and the transmission and clutch were replaced at 100k miles. So they now have roughly 30,000 miles on them. It's literally making me crazy 🤪. I feel like Im missing something obvious....and in the meantime becoming the butt of my husband and father's jokes. I also checked to make sure the hood stops (discussed in the post above) were in place and they appear to be. Do they become worn and need to be replaced or are they pretty much good as long as they're present? Thanks in advance!

 

****Update****

I just wanted to update this thread in case anyone else ever has this problem. After the first response informing me that the bar in question was the shifter counter balance I replaced the lower motor mount. The noise wasn't resolved. I spent days and weeks driving myself crazy. I took my car to a local garage and asked them to take a look. They advised me that it was a "body noise" and that I'd "never find it." I kept telling them I thought my transmission mount needed to be replaced and they just laughed (apparently it's funny to see a woman so neurotic and obsessed with her car.) My dad drove my car to his house from the garage and was able to duplicate the sound. He shined a flashlight down on the transmission mount bracket and one of the bolts appeared shiny on one side. He said the shiny part meant there was movement. That weekend I went to his garage (he lives an hour away, but has a wood working shop that saved me from attempting repairs in the 22° weather. ) ALL OF THE BOLTS ON THE TRANSMISSION MOUNT BRACKET/MOUNT WERE CRAZY LOOSE! Apparently when I had my transmission and clutch replaced 30k miles ago, the bolts weren't torqued properly and have been steadily loosening since. This is probably why my reverse lamp switch went wacky...and I probably replaced a perfectly fine switch 🤷🏼‍♀️. Either way...I just wanted to update this post in case anyone else has this crazy weird problem in the future.

Smurfette and I are back motoring and I remembered why I loved her so much! She drives like a completely different car. I guess the progressive change by the bolts loosening really affected her (and me) more than I originally thought!

I also now have a new spare transmission mount....if you find yourself needing one! Lol JK.

 

Good for you! The usual lazy thing to get back from some professional/shops is that you need a new motor, new car, or just go away because there is nothing to do/find... Good job to find this issue and get is taken care of. It is helpful that you updated and followed up here to let others know how to troubleshoot and your good results.

 

Hello, I also have a noise similar to yours. It's been going on for quite a while, and I can't quite figure out where it might be coming from. it does it to me especially on the climbs and when slowing down in a very random way. I was browsing the forum for something else and I came across your post, I enjoy it!
would you have a photo of the transmission support (the location) that you tightened so that I can check if everything is good on this side.
thank you in advance for your help
simon