1998 Chevy Cavalier Clunk When Moving

1998 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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SILKYHOT61
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I was driving my car down the road when I came to a complete stop then tried to go my car made this awful clunk clunk sound. I then put it in reverse and it moved then made the same sound. The car is now parked and when tried to move forward if I slightly let off the clutch and press the gas it makes the same sound. When put in reverse and slightly let the clutch off it will move approximately 2-3 inches but then make the same sound. I took it to a mechanic and he told me the transmission, the slave and master cylinders, and the clutch need replaced. I want a second opinion because this is the only transmission place where i live and he tends to rip people off. He told me it would cost 2,000$ to fix my car. I'm wondering if I could just try a new clutch kit and see if that is the real problem or if it is the transmission that needs fixed. Any ideas??

Thanks!
Jul 7, 2006 at 10:10 AM
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MIKEYBDMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 623 POSTS
Well, I hate that you are having such bad luck with your car. It does sound like there are major problems with the transmission. Usually when the clutch goes out the transmission will still work, you just have to force the gears to shift.
I would try to place the car in 1st gear, and make sure the area in front of you is clear, then try and start the car without touching the clutch. It will jump and sound bad, but. if it is just the clutch, then the engine will start in 1st gear and u can drive around without touching the clutch.
I am guessing that your car has atleast 82,000 miles, and is not a convertible. If this is the case, your trade in on the car is around $2,000 with retail at $4,500. You must balance a $2,000 repair with what you will end up with.
You can always call around to places outside of your area and say, I need this for this type of car, what would you charge?
Again, I am sorry for your bad luck on this.
Jul 7, 2006 at 10:32 AM
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Suggested Repair

Treat this as likely internal transmission damage rather than a clutch-only failure. With a clear area ahead, try starting the car in first gear without using the clutch: if the engine will not drive the car, a clutch kit alone is unlikely to fix it. Compare the quoted repair cost with the car's value and get quotes from other shops before authorizing work.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Chevy Cavalier Z24 manual reports a repeated clunk when trying to move forward or reverse after stopping, with only a few inches of reverse movement. A local shop recommended replacing the transmission, clutch, and master and slave cylinders for about $2,000. The expert says this sounds like a major transmission problem, notes that a failed clutch usually still allows forced shifting, and suggests a no-clutch start-in-gear test plus outside quotes before committing to the repair.

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