06 gp frame flex??

**reallyfast1** · 05-16-2009

ok so here's my issue, i got and 06 gp with 70k on it , and somtime when im in park and go to Reverse i got a POP or a CRACKING sound coming from the front it also does it again when i go to DRIVE and just tap the gas a little more than normal it will POP again!! wtf

so i took it to the dealership because its still has the warrenty so it was in there for 2 days while i drove a rental P.O.S. SO this is what they told me it was FRAME FLEX

and that its not covered by warrenty?? and then they told me they would have to scrape off my under coating in like 16 spots and inject some kind stuff into the frame and then re-undercoat it and would cost me like $450+!!?? so when i told them that if its the frame its a part of the body and that it was a defect from the factory and i would call GM and dicuss it with them!!! b/c now my car is technically an unsafe car (IMO) so then they tell me they will that they will do it for FREE as long as i pay for the rental!! which is just over $100!! so i take it back tuesday to discuss it further!!!

has anyone ever heard of FRAME FLEX on the newer grand prix's or have this same noise on there car?? i would like to know because there could be serious issues with the frames of these cars and us ppl made to pay for theyre mistakes!!

**grandprixboy** · 05-16-2009

It sounds like a bunch of BS and they just trying to collect money. As far as the Frame Flex sounds like it could be real. But the only "pop" noise ive ever had was from my Strut. If I didnt hold the brake tight enough it would do that but then again if i hit a bump youd here the pop good and loud. So I doubt yours is the strut just not sure what it would be.

**sean13** · 05-18-2009

These cars are unibody so what frame are they talking about? The front subframe? Have you had a look at the lower steering shaft issue? I dont know how loud your noise is but its an idea.

**JGT010** · 09-09-2009

Well I am concerned about your situation here cause I have an 07 model Grand Prix. I've never heard of the term "Frame Flex". I am under the impression just by the term itself that the frame of your car flexes, like moves or buckles and then returns to it's normal state, until acted upon again by a force, such as shifting from P to D as you have indicated. So the dealership has suggested they inject a substance into your frame, I am assuming to render it more ridgid to prevent this Frame Flex phenomena in the future. I would like to see a TSB or a recall on this from GM and I am sure you would too. Because if your car is flexing just from using the shift selector then you can expect your car to split in half from sustaining side impact in the case of a wreck. That said I would not submit to this dealers recomendations. If I had to guess I would say this poping noise you have experienced is from a bent or misaligned shift linkage or something associated with it. I hope you find the real cause and if you would let us all know.

**reallyfast1** · 09-10-2009

well they replaced the steering half shaft the first time i took it in i got it back and still mad the noise but not as bad, i thought then and now it might be my struts or somthing else steering related because it almost feels like its under my left foot, i done know if my cell phone or my camera will pick up the noise but i will try today because it normally does it when i back out of my driveway then go from R to D it goes POP or CRACK and i say ouch every time!! i have looked under the car and it all looks sounds to me but im not a mechanic!! and im waiting for the day i stomp the gas and somthing snaps then yes most likely i will go for a recall on it!!

**Planeboy18** · 09-10-2009

The frame flex i'm thinking about is indeed real, i.e. putting strut bars and such on cars to make the frame more rigid, but as for a newer car that probably isn't taken to a road course all the time, it seems wierd. I've never heard of injecting anything in the frame though since the frame really isn't even that thick enough to inject anything into. most of the unibody frame is just sheet metal with the exection of the 2 frame rails that run the length of the car and the subframe itself. In all honesty, I would check your motor mount and your subframe bolts becuase if it only makes the noise when you get on the gas, the problem is coming from where the motor mounts to, i.e. MM and subframe.

**QUICKSILVER462** · 09-11-2009

Check the two bolts that secure the steering rack to the frame. If they are not tight, the rack will movel side to side and make a pop/crack noise from it shifting in the bolt holes. This can happen any time load is put on the front wheels such a turning, braking,accelerating, shifing into any gear.

Dean

**reallyfast1** · 09-11-2009

thx guyz i will look into both of those areas ASAP!!but i just took a video and it only did it once loud enough to hear it, and it is a weird file type and GPF cant play it hear so i will have to post it up on youtube!! well this is the clip of the noise it happends at 4-5 seconds in the rest is normal...

http://www.youtube.com/user/th3dop3m.../0/VxM0J0Ufqxg

**Planeboy18** · 09-11-2009

Steering rack probably isn't the issue since it doesn't move unless you're turning the wheel, but it wouldn't hurt to check it out. If you have time and a jack... Jack up the front of your car, but not from the subframe, enough that both front wheels are off the ground. Then pull on everything and see if anything will move. Pull the tires towards you to check for play in the steering. push down the wheel to see if the shocks struts and subframe aren't loose. Check to see if the subframe is still making a tight fit with the frame as well. Also try to rock the engine by pulling on the 2 front motor mounts. If anything feels loose or makes the noise then you've found it. But the moral of the story is, the dealership if full of ****. If you don't have jacks or don't feel comfortable yanking on parts while your car is in the air, one thing you could try is to rock the engine while the car is still on the ground (it really doesn't matter if it's jacked up or not), but to check the subframe you'd need to jack the car up. Sorry for the length of this, but I hope it helps.

**reallyfast1** · 09-11-2009

thats perfect man thanks for the tips and info!!!! i will definatly be looking into getting this noise sorted out now thx alot!!!

**Sabrewings** · 09-12-2009

There is a TSB for the aluminum subframe to creak or pop. The solution is to inject some compound into the frame welds to stop it from happening.

I would also look into simply tightening your cradle bolts. That what was causing my Impala to do it... loose bolts. A little blue loctite and I never had the issue again.

**Planeboy18** · 09-12-2009

Originally Posted by Sabrewings

There is a TSB for the aluminum subframe to creak or pop. The solution is to inject some compound into the frame welds to stop it from happening.

I would also look into simply tightening your cradle bolts. That what was causing my Impala to do it... loose bolts. A little blue loctite and I never had the issue again.

That makes sense with the whole injection thing, but still it's a rip off IMO. That's just JB welding your most important part of the car on.

I know this car is an 06, but has it ever had the subframe dropped for any reason? Like replacing the power steering rack or anything? I just thought about one of my VW friends who had the steering rack replaced last year and the show never put locktit on the bolts and last week 2 of the 4 bolts completely came off the car and the subframe was just dangling there. Just a thought.

**Sabrewings** · 09-12-2009

Originally Posted by Planeboy18

That makes sense with the whole injection thing, but still it's a rip off IMO. That's just JB welding your most important part of the car on.

It's not JB welding it on. There are parts where two sections are touching but it isn't welded there (but welded elsewhere). These two sections rubbing ever so slightly when the whole subframe flexes (as it must do or it will break, remember this is aluminum) is what causes the noises. Filling the area in between isn't about adding rigidity or strength, it's about adding a cushion material so the metal isn't rubbing anymore.

My only quarrel with the aluminum cradle that the one on my Impala developed a huge crack in the front passenger side.

To the OP, if the car is still under warranty maybe I can find the TSB # and you can give it to the dealer to get them to perform the procedure. If you're out of warranty I can still give it to you but the cost is on you.

**Planeboy18** · 09-12-2009

Originally Posted by Sabrewings

It's not JB welding it on. There are parts where two sections are touching but it isn't welded there (but welded elsewhere). These two sections rubbing ever so slightly when the whole subframe flexes (as it must do or it will break, remember this is aluminum) is what causes the noises. Filling the area in between isn't about adding rigidity or strength, it's about adding a cushion material so the metal isn't rubbing anymore.

My only quarrel with the aluminum cradle that the one on my Impala developed a huge crack in the front passenger side.

To the OP, if the car is still under warranty maybe I can find the TSB # and you can give it to the dealer to get them to perform the procedure. If you're out of warranty I can still give it to you but the cost is on you.

I know man. I'm just giving you a hard time. I just think it's strange that something like this would happen on a car that's only 3 years old. That is something that should be under warranty though, if it still is under warranty of course. Hope everything works out though.

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