New SSEi owner - front end noise and rusty window sills
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Joined: Jul 2011
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New SSEi owner - front end noise and rusty window sills
Hi, 1st post. I just picked up an '01 SSEi today w/89k miles. It seems really nice and loaded with options (moonroof, heated seats, HUD, etc.). It drives well, good deal for $4k I think.
There is a popping noise in the front end, sounds like some steering linkage or something. It tends to happen more when turning the wheel left than right, and I notice it at lower speeds. Common problem.
Also, the window sills on the outside of each door are aged and getting rusty. Is this a common problem, and are replacement sills easy to find/install?
Lastly, there was standing water in the spare tire area in the trunk. The trunk carpet was not wet, mildew, or smelly so I was not too worried. Is this a common problem?
I will be searching the forum for these issues, but I wanted to introduce myself and start learning.
There is a popping noise in the front end, sounds like some steering linkage or something. It tends to happen more when turning the wheel left than right, and I notice it at lower speeds. Common problem.
Also, the window sills on the outside of each door are aged and getting rusty. Is this a common problem, and are replacement sills easy to find/install?
Lastly, there was standing water in the spare tire area in the trunk. The trunk carpet was not wet, mildew, or smelly so I was not too worried. Is this a common problem?
I will be searching the forum for these issues, but I wanted to introduce myself and start learning.
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True Car Nut
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Dover, NH
Welcome. the popping is either a ball joint or tie rod end. the window sills are easy if you want to put a little elbow grease into them. here is my write up on fixing those. hope this helps
https://www.gmforum.com/exterior-135/window-trim-fix-2000-a-289984/
https://www.gmforum.com/exterior-135/window-trim-fix-2000-a-289984/
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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Welcome. the popping is either a ball joint or tie rod end. the window sills are easy if you want to put a little elbow grease into them. here is my write up on fixing those. hope this helps
https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.php?t=289984
https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.php?t=289984
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Posts like a V-Tak
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Sacramento, CA
Check out the Common Problem sticky. (https://www.gmforum.com/2000-2005-90/2000-2005-common-problems-solutions-227368/)
1-INTERMEDIATE SHAFT:
Symptom: Clunking sound while fully turn the steering wheel right and/or left, can also look like someone is sliding a cardboard on a grill.
Probably that popping sound. Simple fix, just have a mechanic grease it up.
And yes, the Bonneville is notorious for trunk leaks. Be prepared to drain your trunk after a heavy rain if you park outside, and I recommend you stay away from high pressure automatic car washes. I've had those put a decent amount of water in my trunk before.
1-INTERMEDIATE SHAFT:
Symptom: Clunking sound while fully turn the steering wheel right and/or left, can also look like someone is sliding a cardboard on a grill.
Probably that popping sound. Simple fix, just have a mechanic grease it up.
And yes, the Bonneville is notorious for trunk leaks. Be prepared to drain your trunk after a heavy rain if you park outside, and I recommend you stay away from high pressure automatic car washes. I've had those put a decent amount of water in my trunk before.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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Wow, this community is great! Today, I replaced my oil sending unit, changed the oil, refurbished my rusty window sills, and refurbished my headlights (mcguire'*), all using posts and write-ups on this forum. You guys are awesome!
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