I've got a 2007 Cobalt that began making clunking noises a couple months ago, from the front wheels at low speeds when going over bumps. Some days I notice it, other days not. Today I finally decided to do some searching to see if this was a common problem in Cobalts....and found several mentions of control arm bushings that go bad. After seeing a picture of a good/bad bushing, I crawled under my car and took a look. The passenger side looks okay; there's a 1/2 inch or so gap between the control arm and the frame and you can see the black rubber clearly. On the driver side, the control arm is just laying flat against the frame. So, problem solved I guess.

But what I'm wondering, and I know this is a noob/stupid kinda question, but..... is that bushing more of a comfort item or a safety item? As in, does it exist mostly just to "quiet the ride", or is a trashed bushing something that can make the car dangerous to drive? Reason I ask is that I'm planning on trading the car in next winter/spring......and I also am currently only driving it maybe 50 miles a week.....so, do I really need to spend $$$ to have it fixed, or do I turn up the radio and live with the clunk another 5-6 months?

 

If the bushing tears out completely then the control arm will not be stable making the car undrivable. Change it.

 

Same problem, I was wondering if it was the tie rods or the bushing. I guess problem solved as well. Mine is coming from the passanger side as well lol. And it squeaks like hell under low speeds.

 

these are the reasons I developed an all weather spherical control arm bushing set. 199 . email gloria@powellraceshop.com and you will be pleased with the service I am sure....

 

It controls caster to an extent.. My passenger was totally fubar'd and the driver side was on it's way.. Caster was off on the alignment rack.

Powell makes great CABs. Amazing piece.

 

mine are fubar and i've just wiped out a set of tires because of them... replace them... mines going to the dealer to get them replaced under warranty this week

 

it ll fit your coby
it fit on huck
Front Control Arm Bushings Chevrolet Cavalier 1995-2004 | eBay

 

Anyone else have experience with these? The price on these fits my budget, while the super awesome OTTP or Powell bushings are way out of my budget.

Thanks.

 

urethane in the rear locating will not last. previous owner of my car put a set in (back before we had the option of spherical bearings) just before i bought the car, they were trash within 3 months.

 

199 shipped is beyond your budget? Well thats sad panda even though it may be the case. Fact is, like Sharkey says, nothing is better than these inserts.

 

Sad but true.

Guess I'll put them on my Christmas list.