Clunk when coming to a stop in neutral

[freewayman]

Vehicle: 2023 F-150 Tremor | 3.5 Ecoboost | 3.73 Rear | 10R80 AT. No mods, lift kit etc.

I've noticed that everytime I come to a stop in neutral, there will be a clunk and/or thud right before I come to a stop around 5mph.

This does not happen when the truck is in drive. I suspect it's way too much slack in the driveline or backlash in the diff maybe? It confuses me as I would assume the driveline is already unloaded at that point as the truck is in neutral, why would it take up slack and clunk like that so consistently? Occasionally I will get a clunk in other scenarios too, i.e. in too high of a gear on a hill, I step on the throttle and the transmission downshifts. It's not very consistent.

Wondering if it's worth it to bring this in under warranty.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Coming to a stop in neutral? Interesting.
Yeah, if you're under warranty it wouldn't hurt to get it looked at. There may be a TSB or something that covers it.

 

[freewayman]

Coming to a stop in neutral? Interesting.
Yeah, if you're under warranty it wouldn't hurt to get it looked at. There may be a TSB or something that covers it.

Wasn't able to find any TSBs on it, but definitely think I'll get it looked at soon. I thought I was going crazy at first because it's such a weird issue.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Wasn't able to find any TSBs on it, but definitely think I'll get it looked at soon. I thought I was going crazy at first because it's such a weird issue.

May I ask why you're coming to a stop in neutral with an auto trans? Just curious is all.

 

[freewayman]

May I ask why you're coming to a stop in neutral with an auto trans? Just curious is all.

Those occasional clunks I mentioned, I was trying to isolate the issue and see if it happens anytime in neutral. Was not expecting it to happen so consistently however. Definitely not something I do everyday haha. I'm half expecting the dealer to ask the same question LOL

 

[dishdude]

Those occasional clunks I mentioned, I was trying to isolate the issue and see if it happens anytime in neutral. Was not expecting it to happen so consistently however. Definitely not something I do everyday haha. I'm half expecting the dealer to ask the same question LOL

I would not go to the dealer with this concern, it'll be a waste of your time.

 

[freewayman]

I would not go to the dealer with this concern, it'll be a waste of your time.

Why do you say that? Do you think they will dismiss this?

 

[racer12306]

Why do you say that? Do you think they will dismiss this?

I could see them saying you're operating outside of normal use and therefore it's not a problem.

If it was happening in drive, absolutely check it out.

 

[freewayman]

I could see them saying you're operating outside of normal use and therefore it's not a problem.

If it was happening in drive, absolutely check it out.

That's true, I was wary of that as well which is why I was hesistant to bring it in

 

[Leo99]

Why do you say that? Do you think they will dismiss this?

Unable to recreate. Advised owner to not shift to neutral while driving.

 

[Lubener]

I would bring your F150 to your dealer for an inspection and hopefully a repair. Atleast then the condition will be on record if they cannot dupicate the problem.

 

[ripcord]

I once diagnosed a clunk when stopping and found a loose front brake caliper with a missing bolt.

 

[freewayman]

Unable to recreate. Advised owner to not shift to neutral while driving.

LOL sounds like exactly what they would say

 

[emmett442]

Binding slip yoke? Remember, even though you are in neutral, the DS is still spinning and slip yoke still sliding as the suspension compresses/unloads during weight transfers (like stopping).

Either way, given the age/warranty concerns, I'd take it to the dealer.

 

[freewayman]

Binding slip yoke? Remember, even though you are in neutral, the DS is still spinning and slip yoke still sliding as the suspension compresses/unloads during weight transfers (like stopping).

Either way, given the age/warranty concerns, I'd take it to the dealer.

Good point, I have a appointment scheduled with the dealer with a tech ride along too and I'll bring this up as a possibility. I've noticed it doesn't do it if I coast with 0 brakes to a stop in neutral. The suspension on the Tremor is quite soft so there is quite a bit of dive when braking so it's definitely a possibility.

 

[zzyzzx]

I would look at it myself first. This could easily be something like a loose sway bar or end link, or a bad bushing someplace.

 

[freewayman]

I would look at it myself first. This could easily be something like a loose sway bar or end link, or a bad bushing someplace.

Good idea I've only checked the driveshaft for play so far and couldn't feel any play but I'll check those out too.

 

[alcyon]

Unable to recreate. Advised owner to not shift to neutral while driving.

Hit the nail on the head.

 

[1978elcamino]

80k miles dealing with a diff clunk. Cured after changing the fluid to 85w140.
You hear the clunk even in neutral because the transmission is still shift as you are slowing down. The rear ends are set up very loose and clunk.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

My old Sequoia would do that. It was the slip joint at front of rear driveshaft. It would actually get some rust at times and not move as easy. Almost felt like some idiot tapped you from behind. Keeping it greased via zerk fitting kept it under control. First time I greased it, even making sure it was compressed in as far as possible was like 1/2 tube of grease before you saw any seals move.