Under normal accident free usage, under normal climate, welds should last a very long time.
My 2001 Chevrolet Impala has defective welds.
General Motors toll free customer service 866-942-4368 failed to provide cost assistance to repair the welding.
The poor welding is a common problem with Impala's and Monte Carlo with some verticle sub frame welds missing from assembly.
Impala is frequently used by police, and as the police tend to build up the miles on these cars, the defective welding may be leading to many of the reported control loss accidents by police Impala 's.
The sub frame weld problem is frequently mis diagnosed as intermediate steering shaft problems, as both problems cause noise when turning the steering wheel.
I am very sad that an american car builder such as general motors would allow missing welds and poor quality welding.
If you hear of any GM control loss accidents, remember this posting.
Hold general motors responsible in control loss accidents of Impala and Monte Carlo.