'01 Cavalier, Stock springs with GR2 struts and shocks, Eibach swaybars
I've been getting this clunk sound from front suspension for a while.
When I'm maneuvering in the parking lot, there are light popping sound from driver side strut area. This somewhat sounds like popping your body joints..
Occasionally, there are loud clunks coming from the strut or lower engine bay... It's hard to identify the source of these sounds
When the car goes over continuous bumps or rough road, light popping occurs again
When I apply brakes, there's a single clunk from the same area, and when the car re-accelerates from stop, there's again a single clunk.
The car has been diagnosed at the local repair shops. First one recommended me to replace the lower arm bushing, swaybar bushing and the strut mount. Problem wasn't fixed after those replacements.
Second one said just ignore the sound as it doesn't look like a safety issue.
Funny thing is that when the mechanics go for test rides, the sound just suddenly dissapears...
Struts don't seem to be blown, although ride is quite harsh.
Please, any help is appreciated. I really want to solve this problem.
Did you make sure to install the rubber piece in between the spring and the spring seats? It could be your springs moving around on the actual seat. The rubber piece I believe is called a spring insulator, don't quote me on that though.
From your comment about the clunk on acceleration and again on braking, sounds like it could be the sway bar bushing brackets (this is the metal bracket that holds the rubber bushing in place). There was an updated bracket from GM for this condition. What happens is the bracket will shift when there is enough suspension movement or sway and it causes the clunk noise. Of course, this is just a guess, without hearing it myself I can't be sure, but hopefully this helps.
i have the same problem, though mine are eibach pro-kit with stock shocks.i believe i need an insulator. i was wondering how come my pro-kit didn't come with the insulator?
The spring insulator should be available at a parts store, definitely the dealer if you don't mind the spendy price.
Do the bounce test, its not exactly "scientific" but it usually works to diagnose a blown strut/shock.
Sounds like the spring rubbing against the perch. I'm having the same problem only mine squeaks a bit as well. I just have to go get a new insulator or something else to wrap around the spring to quiet it down.
Dan Trump
2004 Cavalier LS Sport - Victory Red
