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Pontiac GTO Strut Problems

142 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2010 at 7:02 PM

You are in the Pontiac GTO Forum.

What is this discussion about? Pontiac GTO, Engine, Suspension, Coupe

Messages Page 7 of 15

#53 of 142 LEAKING STRUTS by dmsdesign

Dec 02, 2006 (11:24 am)

The strut issue has not been Pontiacs brightest moment, that is for sure. but all of you should look at your front struts if it is a 2006. There is a paper on each of the struts. In the top corner of the paper is a build date. If it is form 1/15/06 to about 5/6/06, then you have what Pontiacs says is the "wrong oil". Also those of you who have had the struts replaced, makes sure they replaced the 2 bolts and nuts that secure the strut to the knuckle at the bottom (2 sets per strut) and the nut the secures the strut together. GM says they are 1 time usages only./ If they did, they would be charged out and show on your repair order. If they do not, then the dealership re-used them. They do not come with the OEM strut
 
Also, there is a 95% chance your upper strut bushing is collapsed. I think it is due to the GM putting a spring limiter on the front coil springs when they ship them from overseas. Then they chain down the GTO. This puts long term very serious upward tension on the strut bushing, to the point where I have seen them tear. If the center portion of the strut bushing is equal to or higher than the outer part, then it is collapsed and damaged. What can this do? This can cause your front end to sag and eventually create noises by allowing metal/metal contact inside the strut tower in the fender. I also believe when the strut bushing collapses enough, camber and tow will change, thus you may have accelerated inside tread tire wear. We have seen this especially on vehicles with over 15k miles on them

#54 of 142 good info by plist

Dec 02, 2006 (1:37 pm)

dmsdesign
 
Thanks for the info especially how to find build date info!
plist

#55 of 142 More of the same by silvanov

Dec 09, 2006 (10:36 am)

I received a letter from Pontiac yesterday that started " We would like to discuss your request for assistance regarding your 2006 Pontiac GTO....". I had submitted my reimbursement claim for the rental that I had (while my GTO could not be driven) at the end of September. As of Dec. 8, 2006 I had not yet received my check for ~$950. Numerous attempts to contact the customer service rep failed. She did not return my calls and at times her voice mail was full and no message could be left. The last contact I had with the customer service rep was the end of October, a voice mail left for me saying she had good news. I called Pontiac yesterday evening and talked to some more customer service people. The first person I talked to said that my case was closed and was curios as to why I was calling since my car had been repaired. I explained I had not yet received my money and I was put on hold. He tried to contact the customer service rep that was not returning my calls and he could not reach her. He poked around a bit more and said that the request for a check had been made and that I would receive it in 3-6 weeks. Nonetheless, he transferred me to yet another customer service rep that handles more difficult calls. I spoke to this young lady and explained my situation and I received a completely different set of answers. My case had been closed either Nov. 1 or 16 (I can't recall which date she said) because they could not contact me. There was no explanation why my numerous calls and messages I left for the customer service rep assigned to me were never answered or returned. There was no explanation as to why the letter I had received which was dated Dec 5, 2007 implied that my case was still open. In the end the customer service rep said she would see to it that a check be issued. Now I am totally confused. I guess I’ll have to wait to see if I ever get a check, and if it is for the correct amount.

#56 of 142 Follow up to my #44 message GTO Struts by lenore

Dec 20, 2006 (10:49 pm)

I didn't mention in my previous message #44 that there also was an oil leak from my rear main seal that ad to be fixed and that my evaporator case had to be replaced, but now I am having to put a new rear end in and they are going to have to repaint my front fenders(both)from tape marks from transport. If any of you have any discoloration on your paint there is a service bulletin on it so have your dealership fix it! I have personally had it with this car because I still have a funny sound coming from the front end going down the highway and when I am not moving the car chirps!!

#57 of 142 Struts by droptopscarlet

Dec 21, 2006 (11:31 am)

Is this strut problem on all 2006s? I'm eyeing one now.

#58 of 142 Not all 06s by paisan

Dec 21, 2006 (11:36 am)

There is specific build date ranges it applies to.
 
I am looking at used 05s, better prices, and better cars, the late 06 models they started to cheap out on things as the factory ran low on parts.
 
-mike

#59 of 142 Re: Not all 06s [paisan] by droptopscarlet

Dec 21, 2006 (12:30 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 21, 2006 11:36 am)
I found an 06 for $27 on the lot and I also can get a GM discount. I don't like the ones that don't have the hood scoop.

#60 of 142 all 05s by paisan

Dec 21, 2006 (12:36 pm)

have the 6.0 and hood scoop.
 
I'm looking at paying about $23k for an 05 6mt with 10-15k miles.
 
The late 06 models can't plug-play the guage upgrade pack because they ran out of the P-P harnesses at the factory.
 
-mike

#61 of 142 Re: all 05s [paisan] by droptopscarlet

Dec 21, 2006 (12:41 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 21, 2006 12:36 pm)
Gottcha. I've been reading quite a bit about cheaping-out, etc. So ridiculous.

#62 of 142 Yeah by paisan

Dec 21, 2006 (1:03 pm)

My thought on last-year car builds is that as the factory winds down, they start using all the old parts they have laying around, not just on the GTO, I noticed it with the last year of the Isuzu Trooper, the tailights on the 99-01 were clear turns in the back in 02 the last year of production, some had orange, some had clear. So late 06 GTOs likely have a lot of bastardized parts in them.
 
-mike

Messages Page 7 of 15

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