Squeaking Suspension

CarComplaints.com Seal Of Avoid Like The Plague

CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Pontiac G6 has major problems with two areas fairly critical to the act of driving... steering & safety.

The 2006 G6 has a major defect trend with electronic power-assisted steering failure. The power steering cuts out while driving, making it extremely difficult to steer. G6 owners typically report spending $600 - $1,200+ to fix the problem, replacing either the entire steering column or the power assist motor.

In March 2010, GM recalled 1.3 million vehicles for this exact problem "...after receiving 1,100 complaints of power steering failures." However the 2006 G6 wasn't included in that recall.

In July 2010, GM issued a "Special Coverage Adjustment" — TSB #10183 — covering "certain" (not all) 2005, 2006 & 2008 Pontiac G6's for this power steering issue, up to 10 years/100k miles. However a large number of 2006 G6 owners have reported they were not covered by this campaign, based on VIN#.

As of late 2013 the NHTSA had well over 700 steering complaints on file for the 2006 G6, with 21 crashes & 12 injuries. The NHTSA closed their initial investigation in 2007, having determined that losing your power steering going over 15-20 mph isn't a big deal & that most crashes occurred at slow speeds, so not a safety risk. Ridiculous? Yep, we think so too.

The 2006 G6 also has an expensive problem with "popping" or "clunking" noises when turning, & that issue extends to newer model years as well.

Factor in the 2006 Pontiac G6's poor side impact protection & you end up with a vehicle you should steer clear of.

5.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$0
Average Mileage:
40,850 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (3 reports)
  2. add a bushing to the rear e-brake cable clamps (1 reports)
  3. lubricate / remove rubber boot (1 reports)
  4. remove the 3 ring rubber crown around the strut (1 reports)
2006 Pontiac G6 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2006 Pontiac G6 Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 012009

G6 GT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,175 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This squeak has driven me crazy for years. I've had it in a couple of GM dealerships and we can definitely reproduce the squeak but could never find it. After some searching online someone else posted a solution and I have altered their solution somewhat.

The squeak is caused by the rear e-brake cable rubbing on a clamp that affixes it to the rear lower control arm.

The fix: remove your rear tires and locate the e-brake cable (runs from the front of the car to the calipers). Look at the rotor and on the driver's side, the clamp is in about the 10:00 position (2:00 on the passenger side). Use a screwdriver to open up the clamp and create clearance between it and the fitting that is pressed on the cable. Lube both parts with Never-Seize. Here is where I have altered my solution: In my opinion, there should be a nylon bushing here, GM should never have made this metal on metal! I don't have ready access to nylon bushings so I cut a 7/8" length of cheap vinyl garden hose and inserted it between the cable and the inside of the clamp. I then used a pair of pump pliers to squeeze the clamp closed tight to hold the new "bushing" and cable in place. The result? NO MORE SQUEAK! I was ready to drive this car in the river and now I can drive in peace again.

- Brent J., Winnipeg, MB, canada

problem #5

Jul 232010

G6 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,750 miles

My 2006 Pontiac use to make a very noticeable whine noise in the front end when taking sharp turns, over slight bumps, hills, speed bumps, whatever! The solution to this very ANNOYING problem is the rubber boot that's over the strut is what causes the noises. To eliminate the noise simply remove the rubber boot completely or take some Automotive Anti-Seize lube any auto parts store sells it and apply to the rubber boot housing were the boot meets with the end of the strut housing. The noise will bother you no more!!

Update from Sep 24, 2010: Hello everyone I finially found out the problem to the anoying front end wine, squeak sound that we all know and love (I say that with complete sarcasm). Its from the front suspension and the cause of the noise is a 3 ring rubber crown looking peice that is around the strut under the rubber strut boot. Remove the rubber strut boot and you will see this rubber peice around the sliver shiny strut cut, or remove it you dont need it on there anyway and I kid you not that noise will bother you no more. What caused the noise when the strut would go up and down over bumps this rubber ring would go up and down rubber on the strut causing the wine squeak sound!

- Kyle C., Milford, CT, US

problem #4

Apr 112010

G6 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,500 miles

Attention all Pontiac G-6 Owners. When driving your car do you get a very annoying loud squeak noise coming from the rear suspension area when driving over speed bumps or on any rough road surfaces? I figured out the simple solution to this thanks to the Pontiac g-6 owners club website! For me it was not any suspension part problems it may differ for others! The simple fix I DID IT MYSELF is there is a brake cable on both REAR sides that has a metal clip that is screwed onto a part of the rear suspension, just take some never seize mercantile and coat the clip that is screwed to the suspension. The noise will magically disappear, I kid you not! The noise is from the metal clip rubbing on the suspension part that moves up and down when driving the car. You can fix it yourself just jack up the car remove the REAR tires and the clip is from looking at the brake rotors at a 2'oclock position on the back RIGHT tire and at a 10'oclock position on the back LEFT is were the clip is above from the rotor!!

Update from Aug 30, 2010: The front strut boots is what Causes the sharp wine noise coming from the front end of your G6. I tried cutting down a small amount of the rubber boot to prevent any rubbing interference it really did not help cause the noise comes from both top and bottom. A stupid thing like this makes such a horrable noise why it does it is beyond me. Either cut the entire boot it should remove noise but then the strut itself is exposed or a temp fix is use lubercant. The rear of the car has the struts go into the body of the car so there is no need for a boot if only the front of the car was like this AUGH !

- Kyle C., Milford, CT, US

problem #3

Sep 162009

G6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

everytime i go over a rough in street or parking lot bumps etc. that is when the car make that noise

- Carol C., Okc, OK, US

problem #2

Jan 052009

G6 GT 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

Not sure what the problem is, but it seems as if the front suspension is loose.

- Frank S., Linden, MI, US

problem #1

Aug 022009

G6 4/door Sedan 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,634 miles

I have an annoying squeak which seems to be coming from the drivers sid rear! Sound is definite over mild bumps. I've been to Goodrench twice now, both times they said it was fixed. It was only temporary!! Whenever i get far enough away from the garage it would come back! I'm deeply frustrated!

- Daniel C., Temiscaming, QU, Canada

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