I have a question. I bought a used car, and the only thing that I have noticed is when I go over my drive way entrances to stores, there is a popping sound coming from the front. I jacked up the car and noticed that there is play in the wheel when you shake it back and forth. I looked under the car and had someone move it and looks like the lower bushing are moving back and forth. Can you buy just the bushings or do you have to buy the whole assembly or the entire control arm? Any help would be appreciated......

 

The most likely culprit is the upper strut bearing, there`s a 100+ page thread on the subject. How many miles on your car? My U.S.B. "chuckled" as a brand new car (07) off the lot. Put the improved part in @ 600 miles. Balljoint is probably next, esp with a "popping" noise.
Again, miles?

 

My car has 32,000 miles on it now. Hmmm, you think it might be the upper strut bearing huh. I will look into that one as well. The lower control arm actually replaces the balljoint, and all the bushing at once. I may go that route first and then if needed, the strut bearing next.

 

Oh yeah, thanks for the heads up. I just read all the many posts on the upper strut mount. I will try that first, especially if I can get it fixed for free. I'll post updates. That would be nice though if that was the problem. Also, I will check my links and make sure they are tight.

Thanks again!

 

One more thing....does your car have to still be under warranty for the TSB to work? Are the recalls for anyone or only those under warranty?

 

I just went to my local dealer and they said the new upper strut mounts
(8R3Z-18183-A)cost $58.23 each.
The warranty aspect is unknown to me.

 

TSB's are not covered after your warranty runs out. It's fixed on your dime.

A TSB is not a recall, just a heads up for the dealer to make common problems easier to find/repair.

 

Thats right, just spoke with the service department and thats what they told me. After looking under the car though, I think it may be the lower ball joint instead. There is a little play when you move the wheel from side to side.

Thanks for the info.

 

My 06 might have this issue with the upper strut mount. Thunking noise when I go into my driveway.

It doesn't bother me. Is it a safety issue if I just leave it alone?

 

I don't think there is a safety issue, just more annoying than anything. I am going to replace my lower control arms soon but I am not in a hurry to do it. Its the next thing on my list. I wouldn't worry about it though.