2002 Subaru Forester Car Makes Loud Clunk Shifting Into Reverse Only Stone Cold

2002 SUBARU FORESTER
138,000 MILES
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KIRLIN
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  • 1 POST
Car makes a loud clunk when shifting into reverse. Only makes it when the car is stone cold (first thing in the morning or after it has sat for 8 hours). Once it makes it the first time it does not do it again. What could cause this? It only started after the radiator and thermost were replaced. Is it possible related to these repairs. Thank you.
Oct 21, 2012 at 2:00 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
One of the engine mounts limits how much the engine rocks when accelerating and when shifting directions. It may have needed to be removed to replace the radiator and when reinstalled, it wasn't centered properly. That can allow the two metal parts to rub and bang against each other. It is just as likely the rubber isolator between those metal parts is deteriorated allowing that clunking to occur. That is actually pretty common.
Oct 21, 2012 at 2:09 AM
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