Front end suspension noise...

[I12XLR8]

Amongst some other small complaints to my dealer today was that after this long, hard winter I had noticed that something seemed a little loose in the front end. I wasn't sure if it was just my imagination and fully expected to have to pay out of my pocket fix whatever the problem was.

Ends up that any front end complaint that can be traced back to the control arms kicks in technical bulletin #09-03-08-008A (detailed below). The coles-notes version is that they replace the lower control arms and caster arms under warranty. While this might be old news to some it surprised me - especially as the job would have cost over $1000!!!

TECHNICAL

Bulletin No.: 09-03-08-008A

Date: May 26, 2010

Subject: Knock, Clunk or Click Noise from Front Suspension Over Small Bumps (Replace Front Lower Control and Caster Arms)

Models:
2008-2009 Pontiac G8

Attention:
This bulletin is intended to correct a condition for front end knock, clunk or clicking. Vehicles previously repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Program 09203A are to follow a different repair procedure as outlined under the Correction section below.

Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the Parts Information. A front lower control arm kit is now available that services all four lower control arms as outlined in this Service Bulletin. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-03-08-008 (Section 03 - Suspension).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a clunk, knock or click noise from the front suspension over small bumps.

Cause

The rubber "boot" over the front end lower control arm ball joint may have become dislodged or torn compromising the seal. Moisture inside the ball joint seal may cause corrosion, shortening the service life of the component.

Correction

Notice
Before replacing any components under the terms of this bulletin, you must confirm the past service history of the vehicle. Please use GMVIS (dealers using WINS) or the Investigate Vehicle History link (dealers using GWM) to confirm if the vehicle was previously repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program 09203A. If the vehicle was repaired under this service action, ONLY replace the front control arm found to be the source of the noise and claim the applicable labor operation for that part as outlined in SI and the labor time guide.

Vehicles not identified in Customer Satisfaction Program 09203A (or not repaired during its duration) and found to have one or more of the rubber boots improperly sealing should have all four front control arms replaced.

---------------------------------------------

I hope someone else can make use of this information!! Good luck!

[DRCUSTOMPARTS]

This is a common problem with a lot of G8's. I had mine replaced 2 years ago and they are still quiet. Some members have had them replaced multiple times.

[74SJ]

Mine is getting pretty bad now, I'm waiting till the pot holes are filled around here before I take it in,The seat side cover broke again for the third time too.

[gtp40th]

How long is the guarantee on the replacement?
AND can they blame it on my aftermarket wheels (breyton) ?

[DRCUSTOMPARTS]

The parts are warrantied for one year or until the bumper to bumper warranty expires, whichever is longer. I doubt they will say your wheels caused the LCA's to wear out since most G8's have this problem.

[Monty]

I have a clunk on the driverside. I'm waiting for the LCA kit I ordered from Pace. A real easy doityourselfer.

[travis gore]

Pedders has new LCA's out while Spohn has them just not released yet. Most who have had Pedders bushings have had no issue with the stock LCA's. You can find the TSB's for the G8 here
http://forum.grrrr8.net/forumdisplay.php?f=74

[I12XLR8]

I have a clunk on the driverside. I'm waiting for the LCA kit I ordered from Pace. A real easy doityourselfer.

You should have GM do the warranty work, take the car home, and install the Pace kit. I'm sure you could sell the factory LCA's to someone?!?!?

When I first complained about a clunk in the front end last fall they replaced my tie-rods, sway bar, and sway bar linkage under warranty! It helps to have a great dealer and a head mechanic that drives the same car!

[Metal Man G8]

Well today I noticed the suspension poping noise and I know its the LCAs. The sound is coming from the front of the car, I drove a good distance and the sound is there on stop and go. I'm planning on goin out of town this weekend and its almost a 500 mile trip. Could it be dangerous to drive like this??

[Bob N]

Just thought I would add in. I first had this issue in 2011, and had it taken care of under the TSB, no charge.
Again last year, 2015 same problem. Original dealer closed so I took it to the local Chevy dealer. Again taken care of under the TSB, but some other suspension items needed replacement. Replaced both front stab links and right front outer tie rod I was charged $430. Now its August 2016 and the same problem again! I'm afraid they'll find a way to charge me again for what they did last September!


Sorry it took me awhile to post the results.
Dealer said the right side control arm was shot, needed to be replaced. Since I was already there, I had them do the job. Bottom line was $684.50. Seemed a little high to me, but it was the dealer?