Front Suspension Issues - 2005 ION2

[Elsongs]

I've been having issues with the front suspension of my 2005 ION2 for some time now, but they're getting noticeable.

When I drive the car and run over an uneven pavement, it sounds like there's something loose in the chassis. I've had a car mechanic friend take a look some time ago when he was changing my oil and found nothing loose, but discovered some fluid leaking near the shocks. The problem at the time was intermittent and when he test drove the car, couldn't hear the problem I've been having.

The car is still very much driveable but if I'm driving on a straight road and temporarily let go of the wheel, the car drifts towards the left. Steering it counter to the right fixes the problem while driving but I know it's something that needs to get taken care of.

Does anyone know the cause of this? Also any idea how much the repairs would set me back, ballpark figure?

[2006 ion2]

search the forum, this is a common problem. drifting means it needs an alignment.

[johnk]

Search this post for Lower Control Arm bushing replacement. There are lots of good write ups on it. Mine were shot at 70K, along with the sway bar bushings, strut cap mount bushings and the front struts. Look at where the LCA is bolted to the body, you should have around a 1/4 inch gap between the arm and the bottom plate. If they are touching, then they are shot.

My struts had leaks which led me to do my LCA's at the same time. In addition, once I did the them, I noticed that the strut mount bushing (located inside the cap) was bad. Pulled everything out and replaced them. This then brought to my attention that the sway bar bushings were shot..... This was an easy fix, only about 30 min to replace. The size of the swaybar was stamped in to the bushing cap. Pop the driver's side off and note the size so you get the right replacement.

Go poly where you can on the bushings.