[Sharon]

2013 3lt 2.0T 18" wheels

1.) While going over bumps at low speed- Either this issue developed in my head and has always been there OR something what feels like the front-right is not quite right. Sometimes I hear a rattle/bump/thump but sounds like something is not being held in place. My last car had a control arm bushing fall apart it would flop when turning but that was obvious sound and feeling. With my malibu it's much more subtle like a loose or worn bolt? Nothing obviously wrong

2.) Are my shocks shot? How can I tell? Attaching pictures of my struts and a ball joint outer tie rods which do not appear to be serviceable

 

[repairman54]

Mileage ?
Sway bar links are a common wear item.
Pry bars and weight off/on suspension while checking looking for looseness is the usual method to diagnose.
Struts / shocks at 100k miles are worn out, weak and if not leaking oil usually will not make noise unless there mounting rubbers are shot.

 

[Sharon]

Mileage under 75k

 

[Speed_Freak5150]

I would guess swaybar links, but without looking at the vehicle it is strictly a guess

 

[Sharon]

Sway bar links are a common wear item.
Pry bars and weight off/on suspension while checking looking for looseness is the usual method to diagnose.

I would guess swaybar links, but without looking at the vehicle it is strictly a guess

Unanimous 2 for 2. When it's not raining endlessly and I have some daylight I'll take a look at the swaybar links.

Stock replacement or are there better aftermarket non OE? They look... plastic?

 

[repairman54]

I've used Moog greaseable ones when I did them on my old '09 'bu. OEM are not greaseable.

 

[E.Huffman]

Just so you know I replaced all 4 shocks at 67,000 miles and it fixed it... Now I have a different rattle noise probably something else like sway bar links