2000 Chevrolet Cavalier: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Dec 18, 2006 · Wheels · 101,545 miles · NV

3 months prior to november 19th, 2006, I had my driver side front wheel break away from the car. When the car finally had stopped from 45 MPH, I was surprised to see that the center of the wheel was still attached to the car with the lug nuts still tight. The center of the wheel had busted out. The front end of the car was sliding on the control arm and the fender, door and front bumper cover had been damaged. I also had to replace the brake rotor, brake pads and lower ball joint just to get the car mobile to drive. The car has driven the same since this had happened, so I am sure that a lot more damage has occurred in the front drivetrain, but can not afford to fix at this time. I contacted fairway chevrolet in las vegas, nevada and was told that the wheel must have been damaged by a pot hole or something. Being the wheel was damaged when it had broke off the car, I assumed that maybe that is correct information until november 19th, 2006. I was driving and felt the same vibration from 3 months earlier. I carefully came to a stop and inspected the car. Now, my passenger front wheel was only seconds from busting off the car. This time the wheel is perfect condition, meaning no signs of pot hole damage. American tire in las vegas, nevada replaced the wheel and informed me that they had never seen a wheel bust apart like this, and am very lucky that this did not result in a crash or worse death. The same dealer brushed me away again, and now I have a damaged car both body and driveability. Please help.

Filed Jun 4, 2006 · Suspension · MD

There were no warnings or events leading up to the failure of my vehicle. On may 29, 2006 while driving on a busy major road the axle and ball joint on my 2000 chevy cavalier broke causing the tire on the right front passenger side to bend outward and causing body damage to the fender above the tire. This incident almost caused a major accident if I had not gained control of the car. I was left in the middle of this busy road until a tow truck arrived. My car is currently at a repair shop.

Filed Apr 2, 2005 · Steering · 19,927 miles · PA

(1) ordinary to low usage of a 2000 2.2 l chevrolet cavalier, which had 19,900 miles when the failure occurred in november, 2004. (2) persistent problem with a "clunking" sound in the front driver side of car, when turning. The problem is especially noticeable at low speeds. The noise is a possible indication of a steering or powertrain malfunction. (3) the vehicle was taken to an automobile repair shop to identify and repair the problem causing the noise. The repair shop identified and replaced a cracked brake rotor. Moreover, they replaced the other rotor and both brake pads. Furthermore, the repair shop lubricated the driver side lower ball joint, the saddle on strut, and the tie rod. Also, the axle was inspected externally, but no problems were identified. The repair shop indicated that it might take a week for the "clunking" noise to disappear, as the lubricant worked into the joints. However, as of april, 2005 the problem still remains.

Filed Jun 21, 2004 · Suspension · MD

Bought 2000 cavalier 2/9/04. Had 34,000 miles. Problem 1: clunking noise from front end when turning. Replaced right front strut and mount. Still had noise. Replaced right front strut again, mounts on both sides, left strut, rack and pinion, ball joints. Still makes loud clunking noise. 2 days later returned to shop - 6 weeks later and chevy dealership could not figure it out. Still makes noise. Problem 2: check engine light on. Replaced gas cap =light off 2 days. Light on again=wiring harness=light off 2 days. Light is on again. I have never had this car in working condition. Every attempt to fix it has failed. I can not afford to keep buying parts and labor and it never be fixed. Half of the time I have owned it has been at the shop and 100% of the time it has been broken.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 78,000 miles · TX

Consumer complained about a steering column problem. When steering column turned it made a noise, and it got louder and louder. Vehicle had been in repair shop at least 5 times. *ak the noise could be felt in the floor board. The left front coil spring was mispositioned and caused noise as well. The arm assembly front control lower right and the steering shaft intermediate was replaced. The front lower control arm was loose at the cradle.