Sorry, just have to vent, the car is going to the dealer next Monday for the FORTH time on this problem. The initial symptom was a front suspension rattle over bumps. Fairly common, I figured it was the stabilizer bar bushings or links. I should have replaced them myself and re-evaluated, but figured I'd take it in.
On the first visit, they couldn't reproduce the problem.
Shortly thereafter, I took the LF tire off to remove the intake silencer and noticed the strut was leaking. So I took it back with the same symptoms, and also noted that the strut was leaking.
On the second trip, they replaced the strut, noting that it was \"leaking and rattling\", and did a 4-wheel alignment.
After picking the car up, there was a popping sound and popping feeling in the steering wheel whenever you would turn it past center, either left or right. The steering wheel also wasn't straight anymore. And the original clunking wasn't solved, but I figured I'd just take care of it myself.
So on the third trip, they replaced the \"seat\" (I assume this is something relating to the coil spring on the strut?). Tech stated \"test drove, okay\".
The wheel is STILL not straight, but at least the left/right noise is gone. I went yesterday to belly ache about the wheel not being straight and the left/right noise has returned...it appears that that seat broke again, or whatever it is. So I went in, pretty puffed up at this point, and said I wanted the car fixed and wanted a loaner because I can't afford to keep dropping the car off all the time and getting rides to the office.
Then the service writer says, \"well as part of the certified program, you're authorized a loaner.\" OH GREAT...well thanks for telling me on the THREE prior visits!
So...it goes back in Monday. I told them I don't care how long they have it, they can keep it all week. I just wanted it fixed. It's such an enjoyable car to drive other than that. Flawless except for this front suspension issue. And I'm confident that I'll get it back with the subdued rattle still there, and I'm confident that I'll replace the $20 stabilizer bar bushings myself and fix that problem.