You are talking about the compression bumper, which usually looks bad on these cars unless the struts have been changed. The groaning has NOTHING to do with this piece but is probably, as Rob mentioned, the strut bearing, which you can see if you open the hood. Try removing the plastic cap and spraying some grease in there. If the noise disappears, you have found your problem. If it doesn't, well. it's still the most likely culprit. Buy a new set---the grease is a band-aid.