04 Sunfire - Struts gone at 44k

[KIMBER]

I have a 2004 Sunfire. I have approx 44k in miles.
I took it in to the shop today to have them identify a speaking noise
and was told I needed new structs. To the tune of 600.00 50% of which is labor. But I stated that the car was only 2 yrs old and I thought this seemed odd. They replied that the vehicle did have high mileage.
But still , struts should last more that 44k. The car had a 3yr/36000 warrenty so it is not covered. Not being familair with cars. Any advise
or suggestions of who to call to have Pontiac take responsiblity for parts that die out prematurely?


Thanks

 

[Unregistered]

Squeaking noises are a normal operation of aging shocks and struts, so long as it's not completely annoying.
You'll know when they are ready to be replaced.
Whenever you hit a bump the car will almost bottom out, bobs up and down more than a normal car should and seems to keep on bobbing after you've passed the object or it becomes quite unstable.

The suspension should be tight, but will have some play in as to not shatter the windshield when you drive over a speedbump. Too tight would be uncomfortable as well. But if you can take one hand and with minimal effort, push the car down past 6 inches or so, they should be replaced.

Keep in mind, the front will be much stronger than the rear because the front has coil-over struts. Basically saying, there is a strong steel coil surrounding the strut in the center to help control the extra weight of the engine and transaxle.

But you're right... shocks and struts shouldn't need to be replaced that soon.
But if you're going to replace them, buy some good quality ones to replace them. Personally, I like Billstien.

 

[87 GP]

A squeaking noise could be a lost, dry, or damaged insulator on one or more of the struts. Or it could be totally unrelated to your struts. Why not bring it someplace else and see what they say? Might be a bad bushing in a control arm. You might get a more honest answer at a place that doesn't specialize in front end work/tire sales. Try something like a jiffylube . Get an oil change and a grease job and ask if they see anything that's causing the squeak. You can always use an oil change so it's not money wasted and since they aren't going to change your struts they may find the real reason for the noise.
As for the mileage, it's hard to say how long the original struts should last. If those 44,000 miles are mostly smooth highway miles than yes they should last longer. If it's all short trips in an urban area over really rough roads then it might be time for new ones. But like unregistered said above you'll be able to tell by the car feeling more "bouncy". Also if the nose dives when you hit the brakes with normal pressure(not a panick stop)that's another sign.
As for pontiac helping out..forget that thought. You're 12.000 miles past the warranty and shocks/struts probably weren't covered anyway as they would most likely be considered wear items like tires and brake pads.