Tranny Clunk

[Paul13]

Hey guys,

I just recently bought a 2003 IS300 with 145k km. Everything has been great with the car so far except for the transmission. Whenever I shift from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, I hear and feel a subtle "Clunk" as soon as the gears engage. I replaced the transmission oil with a 75W synthetic oil when I first got the car, but only started to notice this about a month after I got it. Also engaging first gear when the engine is still cool is sometimes difficult; however I can't hear any grinding sounds. Can you guys please help me address this issue. What's the easiest fix? Thanks in advance.

-Paul

[Paradroid]

Hello :)

You might get better help on the US forum, unfortunately the IS300 manual was never sold in the UK. Which is strange as we tend to prefer manuals more than the US market.

Anyway, I wonder if the IS300 has the same J160 gearbox as the IS200. I have a manual IS200 and have exactly the same problems as you.

I've had the gearbox oil changed twice with two different types to try and cure it. At first it seems to work, but like you say after a few weeks the clunks come back. 1-2 is the worst on my car.

My theory is that it's something to do with the design of the gearbox where the oil doesn't get around to everywhere properly. When the oil is changed it's ok for a while, but then certain areas don't get enough oil cover. That's only an idea though!

[Paradroid]

I forgot to add, I find I can improve things slighly by shifting up to second slowly but with a very firm action. Also, a bit of pressure towards the left seems to help. This mostly stops the small crunch I get shifting up to second.

[ibby]

I have never heard of an is300 manual.

and it wont be using the same gearbox.

maybe its a conversion ?

[kam05]

The OP is from Canada.

They (and the US) got the IS300 as a manual where as the UK got the IS300 as an auto only.

[Sam Freeman]

My IS200 has the same clunk, when I bought it Lexus told me that it is a common thing and not to worry about it.

A frient of mine also has the same car and does it also.

Im not too worried at the moment unless anyone tells me otherwise! :)

[edeath]

Yep mine clunks as well - seems to only be when the gearbox is cold. Seems to take the gearbox slightly longer to warm up then the engine.

[dazz32]

Is this when you release the clutch pedal after changing gear..? or just when you change gear`s

[Sam Freeman]

Is this when you release the clutch pedal after changing gear..? or just when you change gear`s

No its when you actually shift between 1st and 2nd gear.

Now thinking about it, it is mainly when it is cold like edeath said.

[MorrIS200]

Glad i read this ...mine does it too and i was a bit worried as i have only just got the car

[Talisker]

It seems to be a common problem, mine does it too especially when the gear box is cold. I don't notice it as much now that i have a short shifter installed.

[Monster-Mat]

is200 and 300 have different manual gearbox's

[phil2009]

Hi mine does it as well when cold, I dont worry anymore