Gear shifting

[Hivenom]

Ok guys,lets see who's the expert?
I just reached 20k on my car,bought it in june of 2004,this car is never been abused,not even a burnout,is my daily driver.My concern is that i'm starting to hear a thumping noise every time i shift gears,under normal driving conditions also when i let go of the gas i hear the noise again,i do drive in traffic alot,could it be the clutch starting to let go or something on the drive shaft or rear end? :huh: I'll like some input on this,idont want to take it to the shop and have them tell me is normal,besides warranty expiration is coming soon.
Iwill greatly appreciate it very much some expert info.
Thanks.

[dwtalso]

Where's the "thumping" coming from? My first thought is drive line lash which could be the clutch, driveshaft, joints, or rear end. Some lash is normal and some of these cars had significant noises like that right out of factory. With poor dealers it sometimes takes several attempts to get them to work this kind of problem if it isn't in the clutch or clutch adjustment :).

[JRHWhiteSnake '04]

If you know it's not drive line lash...
Get that sucker to the dealer ASAP!
So you can document the problem in case the T-56 fails after warranty expires. Save the workorder! It will save you $3,000+... :eek:

The dealer should not charge you for looking into this problem. Chances are it will NOT make any noises when the Tech is troubleshooting it and there will be "NO PROBLEM FOUND". Take it back to the dealer EVERY time it happens, and have them write it up; get it documented. Also make sure the service writer correctly writes down the concern exactly as you describe it, i.e. "There is a Loud banging sound coming from the transmission. Sounds like it is going to break" ;)
(also think about buying Ford ESP ~extended warranty~ online. It's cheaper the sooner you buy it)

My car started doing the same thing at the same mileage. Making a banging noise... ended up stuck in 4th gear! had to be flatbed towed to dealer.
Entire unit was replaced free of charge. My dealer will not tear-down transmissions, so the problem is repaired by complete replacement. Other dealerships have been known to actually find the problems and rebuild the unit, so I don't know the exact cause of my failure.
There is no recall, but this trans has known problems.
I didn't abuse my tranny either, just like you...


Check out this website:
http://www.ddperformance.com/t56_partsupgrades.htm
New ! Billet Struts for 3/4 Synchronizer assembly (Price $99 set of 3) Now in stock !
The stock struts are stamped steel and are prown to breaking, causing trans to be locked in 3rd or 4th gear. Replacement struts are machined out of billet steel making them much stronger.