I get a rattling noise at low speeds when driving straight on my 2005 base model Cav. I'm 99% sure its the strut mounts (both!) because it happened on my malibu also. Im going to try to change them myself, rather than pay $300 per side to have it done.

Is there an aftermarket strut mount that is not going to break in 35k miles like OEM?

How do I change it? What special tools do I need?

I have this same problem on my 04, except its just the right mount. you can try the three piece ones from 95-99 cavaliers/sunfires, or you can get the OEM (Overkill Engineering Motorsports) mounts.

CLICK That will tell you how to remove that strut/spring, and how to remove the mount

why do these things break so easily? also happened on my friend's cav, and another friend's malibu.

I just got OEM's front mounts for mine. Hoping they fix my squeaking/rattling issues when I go over bumps. I should have them installed in a week or two and will probably write some kind of review on them.

So it looks like these are the steps. I might try it this weekend

1) loosen 21mm nut at top of front shock
2)Jack up car and remove wheel
3) loosen 2 21mm bolts above brake calipers and remove bolts
4) remove nuts at top of shock mount
5) remove strut and spring assembly
6) compress spring
7)remove 21 mm nut taht you loosened in step 1
8)remove upper strut mount and replace

reverse steps

does this sound about right? the only thing I need to buy is a spring compressor!

what is the GM part number and how much should the parts cost?