Suspension Issues - 1.8L

[Chappy86]

Hey all,

So I have clunking/rubbing issues in my front right wheel well. After reading multiple threads, I changed both front sway bar links. No luck. Think its the actual shock? If so, what brand should I replace them with? I don't race but don't want bottom of the barrel shocks. It's a 2013 LT 1.8L with 70k miles.

 

[Bruiser350]

Could be the ball joint....get it off the ground and start moving the control arm. I had the same issue and it ended up being a bad ball joint....happened around 75k.

 

[Chappy86]

Could be the ball joint....get it off the ground and start moving the control arm. I had the same issue and it ended up being a bad ball joint....happened around 75k.

Thank you, I'll give it a shot. Ball joints hard to replace?

 

[SuperS13]

Sounds like a ball joint...cheapest way is get the control arm with a lower ball joint. I went with a mevotech as it's an uprated ball joint and the control arm is stronger. The front bolt is a 19mm rear is a 22mm ball joint bolt is a 15mm...I'd recommend an impact gun and wd40 lol... and also get a pry bar to pull the ball joint stud out.

 

[shorebreeze]

For reference, a good video on ball joint replacement on the Sonic from South Main Auto Repair LLC of Avoca, New York on YouTube. This video includes the ball joint replacement as well as the brakes and wheel hub bearing. While most of it looks fairly serviceable (the salvageable, splined speed sensor is a nice touch for example), it appears as though Chevy riveted the ball joints on from the factory while the replacements bolt on, so removing those rivets is a slight complicating factor.

 

[foxyroxy13]

I had the same issue and replaced both my control arms, sway bar links, tie rod ends, and cv axels myself... Noise is still there. I read something online saying it was “an elongated joke where the horizontal bolt goes through the arm and connects to the sub frame”. If that is actually the case then a new subframe would need to be purchased. But I refuse to do that ($700). I’m just gonna weld washers onto mine and hope it helps the fit