Still can't figure out what's wrong!!!!

darocka2001 · 08-30-2005, 08:59 AM

I have been posting about this problem for the past 3 weeks with no one knowing what my problem is. I have a 2003 Cavalier and whenever I roll slowly over a bump I hear a clunk somewhere in my front passenger suspension. Now on my drivers front suspension if i turn left, the weight shift of the car causes a creaking sound, and if I rock the car on the drivers side and raises and drop as much as i can by hand the sound is very very loud. I took it to a mechanic as Sears and they told me it's my shocks. Is that the problem or is it something like my CV joints or some other component....much response is encouraged because I have taken it to many mechanics and they can't figure it out!!!!!

Mod'd_Cav · 08-30-2005, 12:53 PM

it could be simpler then you think...i had a problem like this and this is what it turned out to be....in your engine bay..where your struts mount up there are those 3 little bolts and the bigger one sunk down in the center...that center bolt is what holds your strut in the strut mount and keeps it alligned...if that bolt is loose and has some play the sturt could move up and down in the mount...when you go over a bump..the strut will rise and the bolt with move with it since its threaded to the top of the strut..and when you go back down..the bolt will move down with the strut but will be stopped as soon as it hits the mount...thats when you get the cluck sound...its the bolt making impact with the top of the strut mount.

Mod'd_Cav · 08-30-2005, 12:54 PM

i would suggest lifting the front tires and tightning both of these center bolts from the top of the strut...it might get rid of your problem..but im not going to guarantee it.

darocka2001 · 08-31-2005, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mod'd_Cav

i would suggest lifting the front tires and tightning both of these center bolts from the top of the strut...it might get rid of your problem..but im not going to guarantee it.

Thanks a lot for the suggestion....i will that this weekend and post you on the results. That sounds like the problem and the solution to that problem. I will post though on the results. later!

darocka2001 · 09-06-2005, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darocka2001

Thanks a lot for the suggestion....i will that this weekend and post you on the results. That sounds like the problem and the solution to that problem. I will post though on the results. later!

I just did what you told me too yesterday and I am not hearing the clunking sound anymore....but now on my drivers side I hear a creaking sound everytime I turn to the left or drive up onto a driveway...could this be the strut on my drivers side or a ball joint

? I know it can't be tie rods because I had both outer one replaced thinking that was the problem previously. Any suggestions

???? Should I try the same thing on the drivers side or is it a ball joint or bushing?? Thanks!

Lvtrucks2000 · 09-06-2005, 09:55 AM

I think your Strut bearings meay be going out and that is why you are hearing the creek when you turn the wheel

darocka2001 · 09-06-2005, 02:18 PM

Bad news....the repair that I was told to do about the clunking noise actually did not work....I heard it again as I was driving and turned right and over some bumps within that same turn. I;m guessing it's just the entire strut....what do you think????

cousincletus · 09-06-2005, 02:55 PM

Problem sounds like the sway bar end link bushings are going bad, but this problem usually happens in older cars.

4dr92cavi4cyl · 09-06-2005, 02:57 PM

Sounds like it.

Struts will make all sorts of clunking/creaking/poping sounds when they are worn out.

FinchUsed · 09-06-2005, 04:02 PM

My beretta has bad struts and when I turn I also hear a pop or clunk noise. I know its the struts on mine though because when I hit a bump my car also bucks.

darocka2001 · 09-07-2005, 08:16 AM

Thanks a lot for the responses because I think that you all are right in it being the shocks because the mechanic at Sears told me the same thing, would anyone suggest getting new shocks or is there still some use I can get out of them? I don't want to spend the extra money because I'm on a tight budget right now. It is not a safety issue is it?

deadBird · 09-09-2005, 06:04 AM

Your struts, being so new probably ended up leaking out the fluid.

OverAllComa · 09-09-2005, 08:13 AM

an 03 should still be under warranty unless you put insane mileage on it.

darocka2001 · 09-09-2005, 01:16 PM

I have almost 49,000 miles on my car and I feel that isn't too bad since I got the 2003 Cavalier in October of 2002. I also travel a far distance to get to work so it is expected. Chevrolet warranties aren't long enough if you ask me. It seems like they build there cars to mess up as soon as the 36,000/3 year warranty is up so you make the dealerships a lot of money. I just want to figure out this clunking and creaking I'm getting out of my front end because it's driving me crazy and sounds really nasty!!!

jakegday · 09-09-2005, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darocka2001

It seems like they build there cars to mess up as soon as the 36,000/3 year warranty is up so you make the dealerships a lot of money.

man i couldnt agree more, but i dont think chevrolet/GM are the only auto manufacturers that do that

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