Drivetrain “clunk / tuk” noise when braking and shifting D → N – anyone else?

[KaizerQ8]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to see if any other Grenadier owners have experienced something similar, as I haven’t been able to find a matching case on the forum so far.

Vehicle details:

• INEOS Grenadier 2024
• Mileage: ~30,000 km
• Mild suspension lift: approx. +1.7” front / +1.2” rear
• No drivetrain modifications, no off-road abuse

Issue description:

I’m experiencing a single “tuk / clunk” noise from the drivetrain under the following conditions:

• After braking to a stop, then shifting from D to N
• Happens after normal acceleration, not only aggressive driving
• More noticeable when cold, especially after a morning cold start
• Louder when transfer case is in Low range (4L)
• Can also occur after steady driving, not only hard braking
• No vibration, no warning lights, no drivability issues otherwise

The noise sounds like a torque release / driveline tension unloading, not a grinding or repeated noise.


What has been checked so far by the dealer:

• Driveshafts inspected
• Gearbox inspected
• Differentials inspected
• Transfer case inspected
• Multiple road tests and recordings
• HQ technical team involved

So far, no visible mechanical defect has been confirmed. The explanation given is that it may be normal drivetrain tension release, but I find it odd that this happens consistently on my vehicle and I cannot find other owners reporting the same behavior.

My questions to other owners:

• Has anyone experienced a similar “clunk / tuk” when stopping and shifting D → N?
• Does anyone notice this more in Low range (4L)?
• Any cases where this was later diagnosed as a bushing, mount, transfer case, or diff issue?
• Did anyone have parts replaced under warranty for a similar noise?

I really enjoy the vehicle and just want to understand whether this is truly normal behavior or something that deserves further investigation.

 

[DenisM]

Is the clunk actually in the suspension or might it be an "aggressive" solenoid in the auto transmission. Regarding possibilities of drivetrain tension, it might be worthwhile checking that all 4 tyres are exactly the same diameter...

 

[KaizerQ8]

Is the clunk actually in the suspension or might it be an "aggressive" solenoid in the auto transmission. Regarding possibilities of drivetrain tension, it might be worthwhile checking that all 4 tyres are exactly the same diameter...

Thanks for the suggestion. The noise doesn’t seem to come from the suspension, as it happens even on smooth roads and sometimes when stationary after braking and shifting D → N.


It also doesn’t occur at the moment of throttle lift (accelerating → decelerating), but rather after coming to a stop and selecting Neutral, and occasionally over a speed bump.





All four tyres are the same brand, size, and wear level, and pressures are equal, so drivetrain tension from tyre diameter mismatch should be ruled out.

 

[C-Mack]

It could literally be a tolerance issue anywhere in the driveline causing your problem. Any extra slop in an axle splines, steering hub u-joints, differentials, Rzeppa joints, driveshaft slip joints, transfer case internals, transmission internals, input & output shafts, loose driveshaft flange bolts, loose suspension arm bolts, etc…

Curious as to why the dealer wasn’t able to diagnosis it if they truly went through the list you suggested systematically? On old Land Rovers you could at least remove a front or rear driveshaft and lock the center diff for a quick test drive in an effort to isolate noises to either the front or rear but I don’t know I’d recommend that approach for the Grenadier.

The vehicle hasn’t accidentally been driven around with the center diff locked on dry roads for an extended period has it?

 

[KaizerQ8]

It could literally be a tolerance issue anywhere in the driveline causing your problem. Any extra slop in an axle splines, steering hub u-joints, differentials, Rzeppa joints, driveshaft slip joints, transfer case internals, transmission internals, input & output shafts, loose driveshaft flange bolts, loose suspension arm bolts, etc…

Curious as to why the dealer wasn’t able to diagnosis it if they truly went through the list you suggested systematically? On old Land Rovers you could at least remove a front or rear driveshaft and lock the center diff for a quick test drive in an effort to isolate noises to either the front or rear but I don’t know I’d recommend that approach for the Grenadier.

The vehicle hasn’t accidentally been driven around with the center diff locked on dry roads for an extended period has it?

I didn’t use the center diff lock when the sound happened. I was just doing light sand off-roading without engaging the center lock.