Noises problem
2002 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 60k miles
The noise is basically a clunk. It happens when making turns, and doesn't seem to matter if the turn is left or right, or in drive or reverse. The noise itself does seems to come from the front left side, and it almost seems as if you can feel the noise through the floorboard.
It has been ongoing for close to a year now. Initial diagnosis was made by a local repair shop (well-respected place, all ASE certified, etc) as a bad strut mount. Since they wanted 550 bucks to replace both front struts I decided to take it somewhere cheaper.
Long story short, since then 3 different places have been unable to properly diagnose it.
Parts replaced include:
-"Quickstruts" on both sides in front (mount strut spring etc)
-Lower A Frame assembly (front left and right)
-Ball Joint front left and right
-Wheel bearings both sides
New Axle front left
New Steering Rack
New Inner Tie-Rod
Meanwhile the clunk is still there, and as I said, 3 different places have been unable to properly diagnose it!
Only happens when making turns, when parking, or when backing out just as you cut the wheel...doesn't happen every time either, just when you get the turn at that exact angle, and then the clunk, as if something is shifting and banging into something else.
This also brings us to my other side question. I don't hold it against these mechanics since this has been a hard one to diagnose, and the fact that 3 places have struggled shows this. However, I am wondering if we were taken advantage of by one of the places.
One of the places told us we needed an Axle, new struts on both sides, and the Steering Rack Column. He insisted on these "quick struts" which I guess are easier but also more expensive. He claims the parts needed replaced, and I believed him. I have known him a while, and I do not think he would try to get me to have things fixed that did not need it...I think it was just a coincidence and unrelated.
I am simply curious if the 1000 or so odd dollars he charged us to fix those 3 things (quick struts both sides, steering rack, 1 axle+boot) was too much. If he ripped us off we would be upset between that and the clunk still being there. If what he charged is fair I can deal with it since I trust him that the things did need fixed.
If one of you can answer this I would be very grateful...whether it sounds like we were taken advantage of, and more importantly what you think the clunk could possibly be.
Thanks very much, and sorry if my question rambled, its a rather long and complicated story!
2002 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 60k miles
The noise is basically a clunk. It happens when making turns, and doesn't seem to matter if the turn is left or right, or in drive or reverse. The noise itself does seems to come from the front left side, and it almost seems as if you can feel the noise through the floorboard.
It has been ongoing for close to a year now. Initial diagnosis was made by a local repair shop (well-respected place, all ASE certified, etc) as a bad strut mount. Since they wanted 550 bucks to replace both front struts I decided to take it somewhere cheaper.
Long story short, since then 3 different places have been unable to properly diagnose it.
Parts replaced include:
-"Quickstruts" on both sides in front (mount strut spring etc)
-Lower A Frame assembly (front left and right)
-Ball Joint front left and right
-Wheel bearings both sides
New Axle front left
New Steering Rack
New Inner Tie-Rod
Meanwhile the clunk is still there, and as I said, 3 different places have been unable to properly diagnose it!
Only happens when making turns, when parking, or when backing out just as you cut the wheel...doesn't happen every time either, just when you get the turn at that exact angle, and then the clunk, as if something is shifting and banging into something else.
This also brings us to my other side question. I don't hold it against these mechanics since this has been a hard one to diagnose, and the fact that 3 places have struggled shows this. However, I am wondering if we were taken advantage of by one of the places.
One of the places told us we needed an Axle, new struts on both sides, and the Steering Rack Column. He insisted on these "quick struts" which I guess are easier but also more expensive. He claims the parts needed replaced, and I believed him. I have known him a while, and I do not think he would try to get me to have things fixed that did not need it...I think it was just a coincidence and unrelated.
I am simply curious if the 1000 or so odd dollars he charged us to fix those 3 things (quick struts both sides, steering rack, 1 axle+boot) was too much. If he ripped us off we would be upset between that and the clunk still being there. If what he charged is fair I can deal with it since I trust him that the things did need fixed.
If one of you can answer this I would be very grateful...whether it sounds like we were taken advantage of, and more importantly what you think the clunk could possibly be.
Thanks very much, and sorry if my question rambled, its a rather long and complicated story!
Sep 22, 2009 at 12:30 PM
