Engine/transmission clunking louder

[Valente]

My 2018 Clarity has 60,000 mi. I just had the transmission fluid and brake fluid changed. For some reason when I'm in stop and go traffic the transmission seems to be clunking louder and louder than it did when it was new or at 40,000 mi. This started around 50,000 mi. When I pull into my garage and shut off the engine, I can hear it clunk slightly as well. When I'm in city driving and come to a stop light it doesn't clunk. I've owned 2 other PHEVs (Ford Fusion and Ford C-Max) and I've never had transmission noise issues. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Landshark]

At speeds below 45mph, if the engine is running, it is generating electricity to drive the electric motor in conjunction with electricity from the battery. The single speed transmission only engages under certain conditions at speeds above 45mph.

The clunking that you are hearing could be any number of things. I’m 99% certain it isn’t the transmission.

 

[Nemesis]

With 43,000 miles on my Clarity, I will be following this thread for sure. Hope it turns out to be something simple.

 

[MrFixit]

Is this a repetitive clunk that changes with speed?
Does it change when you are turning vs. going straight?
It is a little hard to interpret your description... I am thinking maybe a CV joint.
Or, is it always just a single clunk.

 

[Landshark]

Random thought. The brake hold feature could be perceived as “clunking” when stopping and starting.

 

[ClarityBill]

My 2018 with 87K miles has a clunk that is more felt than heard. Seems to be when I go from regen to power at low speeds. I interpret it as backlash in the drive gear / transmission. Could be bearing going bad...

The clunk is subtle, and I am not sure another driver would notice it... I have driven this car for all of the miles, and I am noticing a difference in the last 10K miles.

 

[MrFixit]

I interpret it as backlash in the drive gear / transmission. Could be bearing going bad...

Another thought -
There are several clutches in the drive train that engage and disengage depending on the needs of the driving mode.
Perhaps this could be associated with these clutches doing their thing, and wearing some over time.

 

[turtleturtle]

I think we scared off OP, but I’m genuinely interested. If there a break on a frame mount somewhere, this could get exciting like the Model 3 from the other forum.

 

[fotomoto]

I've owned 2 other PHEVs (Ford Fusion and Ford C-Max) and I've never had transmission noise issues.

My C-Max has been doing this low speed clunk for quite some time (65k miles). I suspect motor mounts. Lots of torque to deal with it.

 

[TC1782]

My 2018 with 87K miles has a clunk that is more felt than heard. Seems to be when I go from regen to power at low speeds. I interpret it as backlash in the drive gear / transmission. Could be bearing going bad...

The clunk is subtle, and I am not sure another driver would notice it... I have driven this car for all of the miles, and I am noticing a difference in the last 10K miles.

Curious if you have any updates on this issue.