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Loud Clunking Noise from Rear Drivetrain on 2025 Air Sapphire

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Mark S. · rep 0 · May 25, 5:14 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire

Hey fellow Lucid owners,

I just started hearing a really concerning loud 'clunk' from the rear end of my 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire. It happens almost every time I shift from reverse to drive, or when I accelerate hard from a stop. It feels like something is engaging or disengaging with a jolt.

There are no warning lights on the dash, and the car still pulls incredibly hard, but that clunk is definitely not normal. I'm worried about the rear motors or the differential. Has anyone experienced this, especially with the high-performance Sapphire models?

Could this be a loose motor mount, a half-shaft issue, or something more serious with the rear gearbox? Any advice would be appreciated.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 5:14 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A loud clunking noise, especially when shifting between drive modes or under hard acceleration, is a significant concern for your 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire and indicates a potential mechanical issue within the rear drivetrain. The high torque of the Sapphire model can exacerbate or reveal such issues.

1. Diagnostics & Common Causes:

  • Motor Mounts: Loose, worn, or broken motor mounts (for the rear electric motors) are a very common cause of clunking noises during torque application changes (like shifting from R to D, or hard acceleration). The motor shifts slightly, causing the clunk.
  • Half-Shaft/CV Joint Play: Excessive play in the half-shafts (driveshafts) or wear in the Constant Velocity (CV) joints connecting the motors to the wheels can cause a clunking sound as the slack is taken up during torque reversals.
  • Rear Gearbox/Differential Issues: While EVs have simpler single-speed gearboxes, internal wear, loose components, or issues with the differential (if applicable) can lead to clunking. This is particularly relevant for high-performance models that put immense stress on these components.
  • Suspension Components: Less likely for a 'clunk' on acceleration, but loose suspension arms or bushings could sometimes produce similar sounds, though typically more associated with bumps or turns.

2. What to Check/Do:

  • Listen & Feel: Try to determine if the clunk is a single event or multiple, and if it's repeatable under specific conditions (e.g., only when going from R to D, or only on hard acceleration). Note if you feel any corresponding jolt through the chassis.
  • Visual Inspection (Limited): If safe to do so, a quick visual check for anything obviously loose or disconnected around the rear wheels and undercarriage might reveal a glaring issue, though professional inspection is usually required.
  • No OBD Codes Expected: Mechanical drivetrain issues like loose mounts or worn shafts typically do not trigger diagnostic trouble codes unless they lead to a full system failure or sensor malfunction.

3. When to See a Shop:

  • Immediate Service Recommended: A loud clunking noise, especially from the drivetrain, should be addressed immediately. Continuing to drive with a significant mechanical fault can lead to catastrophic failure, loss of control, or much more expensive repairs.
  • Lucid Service Center: Do not delay in contacting a certified Lucid service center. Explain the exact conditions and sounds you're experiencing. They will need to lift the vehicle, inspect the motor mounts, half-shafts, and rear gearbox components for excessive play, wear, or damage. Given it's a 2025 Sapphire, it should be well within its warranty period, but prompt action is key.
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