jtho53

I have a 2012 Impala with 37600 miles on it. I have had the car to the dealer.
I have a clunk in the front end, driver's side. Happens when I accelerate. You can hear it loudly. It sounds like the CV joint. You can feel play in it too. The dealer says there is nothing wrong. Said they tightened something in the trunk. My car is GM Certified. I pay nothing till it out of warranty. I was being charged 85.00 . And I have the 100K drive train warranty from the factory.
I got a call from the Dealer's survey service. They called and wanted to sell me a new car. I just want my car fixed........not trading it in for another bill. Its past the half way point in payments. I love my car. This is my 5th Impala, as all the other cars gave great service and over 200K miles when sold or traded.

John

in2pro

That clunk could be the front sway bar bushing...
There was a TSB for front end clunks but I don't have access to it right now and don't recall if the 2012 Impala was included...
I'll try to check this evening

tech2

You are out of base warranty 3 years 36000miles. the repair completed was not covered by powertrain warranty.


if they fixed nothing and your problem persists bring it back immediately. insist on a test drive with the shop foreman as they obviously could not pinpoint the clunk on their own. During the test drive, point the problem out when it happens.


not seeing the play you are referring to, its hard to comment but cv shafts do pivot and slide so some play is normal.

jtho53

Car is certified until 48000 miles. GM will not help me on this.

tech2

I goggle gm used certified warranty in Canada and its only 3months 5000km. Maybe its different in the states.


Did you buy a gmpp warranty protection plan? this extends beyond manufacturer's warranty but you pay $100 deductible for each repair.


so you told them you had this warranty, they gave you a bill and u paid it and asked no questions? What am I missing?

jtho53

I paid no bill. My car is GM/Dealer certified till 48000 miles. Canada is different than us.

in2pro

Here are some of the TSB's, the second may be more in line with your concern...

Bulletin No.: 04-03-08-006F
Date: January 18, 2012
Subject: -Steering and Front Suspension Noise Concerns Clunk, Thump, Rattle, Knocking, Pop, Shudder, Vibration (Diagnosis and Perform Necessary Repair)
Models:
2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (Including SS)
2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR (Including SS)
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada Only)
2007-2010 Pontiac G5
2003-2007 Saturn ION



Bulletin No.: 12-03-08-001
Date: August 06, 2012
Subject: Clunk or Thump Type Noise from Front Suspension
Models:
2008-2009 Buick Allure (Canada)
2008-2011 Buick Enclave, LaCrosse, Lucerne
2011-2012 Buick Regal
2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt (Including SS)
2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR (Including SS)
2008-2009 Chevrolet Uplander
2008-2011 Chevrolet Aveo
2008-2012 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Malibu
2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse
2010-2012 Chevrolet Camaro
2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze, Volt
2008-2012 GMC Acadia
2010-2012 GMC Terrain
2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
2007-2010 Pontiac G5
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008-2009 Pontiac Montana SV6, Torrent
2008-2010 Pontiac G3, G6, Vibe, Wave
Condition
Some customers may comment on a clunk or thump noise coming from the front suspension while driving over rough road surfaces. This noise will typically occur when the front suspension is returning to the upward position after a hard downward stroke, such as after driving through a large rut or pothole.
Cause
This condition may be caused by the jounce bumper slamming into the upper spring seat because it is not retained in the correct up position. The jounce bumper loses position due to oil being deposited onto its retention fingers. The oil is from the strut leaking.
Correction
Inspect the front strut(s) for evidence of oil. The leak may be slight but will still cause the concern. If oil is present, replace the affected strut, jounce bumper and dust boot (shield). Before reassembling the strut assembly, glue the new jounce bumper and new dust boot (shield) to the upper spring seat using the steps listed below. To further confirm this concern, the shield/bumper will easily slide up and down the strut shaft.

clarkcasey16

hi, I have a similar issue with my impala it has 37,000 miles on it and it clunks when coming to a stop and clunks when pressing the gas or taking my foot off the gas. Could this be a transmission issue or is it the sway Bar bushing?