[rtdouce]

Hi all,

08' G8 GT

Bought used a few years ago with 39k miles. Currently at 58k and beginning to have some issues. Whenever I turn the wheel to the right there is consistent click click click. It's been there for a few weeks and finally decided to Google potential causes. Culprit is likely the CV joints, nothing I know about but nice to place a name to it. I plan on taking it in tomorrow but am contemplating a full tune up as well. What do people recommend? Price range? Good timing to kill two birds with one stone? Any feedback welcome.

 

[rtdouce]

Update, wheel barring broke down and replaced. I asked them what potential major tuneups may exist in the near future. There doesn't appear to be any until 100k miles. That's eons away for me so what have others fixed to make sure she'll fun for the next 10+ years?

 

[demonspeed]

Just as an FYI, you don't have CV joints in the front -- they are only in the rear.

The most common things for these cars appear to be:
Front control arms
Door lock actuators
AFM lifters
Strut bushings

 

[whatnext]

Just to help you spend your money (ha ha) - Many of us have upgraded the struts and shocks around 30k miles as the originals (GT/Fe2) were marginal at best and many felt they were done by ~30k (I'm even more picky and upgraded at 25k). The common reaction to any suspension upgrades has been 'this is the way it should have come from the factory'. The improvements in handling are so worth it.

This FYI is timely as recent board discussions have high lighted the G8/Fe3s (a budget friendly gas charged strut and shock upgrade) are starting to disappear/drop from sellers inventory. After market and the Caprice PPV options are available. Check the other discussions for details.

 

[Shift12]

This FYI is timely as recent board discussions have high lighted the G8/Fe3s (a budget friendly gas charged strut and shock upgrade) are starting to disappear/drop from sellers inventory. After market and the Caprice PPV options are available. Check the other discussions for details.

My "maintenance" list.

AFM Lifters replaced by dealer under TSB at 76k miles. Spark Plugs and wires at 100k, did em myself in the driveway... easy peezy to save some coin on labor. Transmission filter and pan upgraded to Camaro pan and filter at 100k with just the drain and fill of new fluid (reputable shop performed). Rear differential fluid changed at 100k in my driveway. Oil pressure sensors have gone bad twice on me, easy to switch out. Other than those things and doing a full FE3 suspension swap and brakes this car has done very well. Obviously change your oil often enough (there is debate on whether or not to "trust" the oil life monitor), and check your cabin air filter... chances are it needs changing.

 

[Sever Maximus]

Could somebody please post the part(s) number for the FE3 suspension replacement, or point to the right thread? Thank you.

 

[Markmsf3]

Could somebody please post the part(s) number for the FE3 suspension replacement, or point to the right thread? Thank you.

It's titled Monroe Gas Magnum etc by TonyKarter. I just read it. He's got the pn's for the Monroes and PPV's.

 

[rtdouce]

Just as an FYI, you don't have CV joints in the front -- they are only in the rear.

The most common things for these cars appear to be:
Front control arms
Door lock actuators
AFM lifters
Strut bushings

Mechanic pointed that out when I was at the shop, it being a rear-wheel car. Cheers.

 

[rtdouce]

Just to help you spend your money (ha ha) - Many of us have upgraded the struts and shocks around 30k miles as the originals (GT/Fe2) were marginal at best and many felt they were done by ~30k (I'm even more picky and upgraded at 25k). The common reaction to any suspension upgrades has been 'this is the way it should have come from the factory'. The improvements in handling are so worth it.

This FYI is timely as recent board discussions have high lighted the G8/Fe3s (a budget friendly gas charged strut and shock upgrade) are starting to disappear/drop from sellers inventory. After market and the Caprice PPV options are available. Check the other discussions for details.

Not surprised that this is common. I literally asked the mechanic about my shocks since it feels a little rough. Especially on the 19'' performance tires. He said that they look good and do not need changing but I'll look into this option. Cost?

 

[Markmsf3]

Even if you don't replace the struts, I'm sure it needs strut bushings if they've never been changed. The stock ones end up collapsing at way less that 100k.

 

[rtdouce]

Even if you don't replace the struts, I'm sure it needs strut bushings if they've never been changed. The stock ones end up collapsing at way less that 100k.

Currently at 58k, asked the mechanic if anything needed replacing and he said no. Usually they'd like to make a few bucks and recommend an item so assuming that's a good sign that everything is looking pretty good.

 

[whatnext]

I'm sure it needs strut bushings if they've never been changed. The stock ones end up collapsing at way less that 100k.

I keep mentioning - I watched my factory rubber strut bushings collapse in the first 8k miles.

Strut/shock cost - PPVs were $250 delivered in early 2015.

 

[BAS G8]

Currently at 58k, asked the mechanic if anything needed replacing and he said no. Usually they'd like to make a few bucks and recommend an item so assuming that's a good sign that everything is looking pretty good.

I have the same problem, itching to pour money into my suspension but mechanic says everything is solid under there.. Got the car at 140km, theres 180km on now so can only assume previous owner had work done I want to do. Ratz....

 

[mjones73]

Currently at 58k, asked the mechanic if anything needed replacing and he said no. Usually they'd like to make a few bucks and recommend an item so assuming that's a good sign that everything is looking pretty good.

Take a look at the strut tops under the hood, see how much gap there is between the top and the strut tower.

 

[rtdouce]

Take a look at the strut tops under the hood, see how much gap there is between the top and the strut tower.

Enjoy driving the car but do not know much about assessing. Strut tops under the hood look like what? What gap should there be so I have something to gauge from?

 

[rtdouce]

Even if you don't replace the struts, I'm sure it needs strut bushings if they've never been changed. The stock ones end up collapsing at way less that 100k.

I'll ask them this at the next oil change. Speaking of which, 8 quarts of oil for the G8. Mileage per year = 6k. I used to add oil to my previous car regularly but I haven't once had to add oil to my G8 between oil changes (once per year). Any pauses for concerns? Whenever I check the dip stick it's always above half.

 

[whatnext]

I haven't once had to add oil to my G8 between oil changes (once per year). Any pauses for concerns? Whenever I check the dip stick it's always above half.

Nothing to worry about. The engine is tight unless you are losing coolant and the engine oil has a milky color to it. I run mine maybe 5k per year and never have to add oil. But some years have run it a lot more and never had to add oil.

On the strut bushings and the gap when they collapse, there are forums here that have pictures. But look for the horizontal 4" round disks with a black rubber edge. They will be above the wheels under the hood. The gap between the disk and the top of the metal strut tower should be less than a 1/4 inch. When the bushings collapse, they not only squish down but also allow more sideways motion which sucks for handling precision.

 

[Markmsf3]

I'll ask them this at the next oil change. Speaking of which, 8 quarts of oil for the G8. Mileage per year = 6k. I used to add oil to my previous car regularly but I haven't once had to add oil to my G8 between oil changes (once per year). Any pauses for concerns? Whenever I check the dip stick it's always above half.

Actually, the GT takes 8.8 quarts, but they seem to be good engines other than the lifters sometimes giving up. If you took a pic of the gap under the top plate under your hood, we could pretty much tell if you needed bushings.

 

[rtdouce]

Pictures to come tonight.

 

[rtdouce]

Pictures of both bushings: