The sensors are located next to the control arms, not in them.
I stand corrected. There are accelerometers attached to a bracket on the strut... on Touring models only
- - - Updated - - -
The link wouldn't cause a thud sound. I believe its either the control arm or something in the strut.
If they replace any suspension component on one side, they should replace the same on the other side. If they are doing it under warranty.
The won't, especially if the dealership is high on their warranty expense. The drill is to replace defective parts only.
From SI:
1
Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections?
Go to Step 2
Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis
2
Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle.
Did you duplicate the condition?
Go to Step 3
System OK
3
Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed?
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 7
4
Inspect the
tires for the following condition:
•Proper tire inflation and adjust as necessary—Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label.
•Unusual tire wear—Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel.
•Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness and tighten as necessary. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 5
5
Inspect the front wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 6
6
Inspect for front axle or transaxle noises. Refer to Noise and Vibration Analysis.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 7
7
Bounce the front of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise.
Did you duplicate the noise?
Go to Step 8
Go to Step 9
8
 1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
 2. Inspect the front suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.
 3. Inspect the front suspension components for damage and repair as necessary.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 9
9
 1. Install a listening device, if existing.
 2. Bounce the front of the vehicle, preferably by using a listening device, in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary road test the vehicle.
 3. Repair or replace any damaged components as necessary.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 10
10
Inspect the ball joints and steering components for the following conditions:
•Lack of lubrication where applicable
•Looseness in the ball joints—Refer to Ball Joint Inspection.
•Looseness in the tie rods—Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 11
11
Inspect for damaged shock absorbers. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 12
12
Inspect the front stabilizer shaft and stabilizer shaft links for damage and repair as necessary. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement or Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
Go to Step 13
13
Inspect for control arm damage and repair as necessary. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 14
—
14
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
System OK
