Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Why does my car clunk when shifting into drive or reverse?

My 2008 Ford Focus has started making a loud clunk when shifting into drive or reverse. The car has 120,000 miles, and is basically in good condition, but this noise is making me nervous. What would cause a car to clunk when shifting into drive or reverse?

avatar
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Cars, like people, tend to produce new pains and noises as they get older. It can be hard to know which ones indicate a real problem. If you hear a clunk when shifting into drive or reverse, there is likely something loose or worn out in your driveline.
Your driveline includes several parts that work together to keep your car safely on the road, and having them inspected is part of your car’s
routine maintenance
. The driveline parts that may be causing your clunk are:
  • Rubber to metal parts, including engine mounts, transmission mounts, and torque support arms
  • U-joints
  • Differential gears
Based on what you’ve described, worn-out engine or transmission mounts are probably to blame, but because of the number of moving parts, you should have your entire driveline inspected.
A driveline inspection will cost around $100 and ensures you are only replacing parts that need it.
While you have your driveline inspected, how about having car insurance super app
Jerry
inspect your insurance policy, too? The insurance experts at Jerry will make sure you are getting the very best prices on the coverage you need. Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on car insurance.
The savings keep coming even after Jerry finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price. If you want to switch policies, that’s fine! Jerry can help cancel your old policy.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings