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Comments
unfortumately the steering column issue and the front suspension are weak areas on the MAXX....I have been fortunate not to have a steering column issue at all....with almost 155k On mine now.....original owner purchased in 2/04...
now are you replacing the steering column or another suspension part.....when you say you replaced the rack and pinion.....why were they replaced in the first place?
I have an 04 Maxx with 157K on it....and have had no problems at all....I have a rattle in the front end when going over bumps and such, however it has had no long term effect on operation of the car....and it honestly doesnt bother me at this point.
so you have basically put 70k miles on the car since you bought it........did you have an extended warranty plan on it for the first two times...since it was obviously out of the standard 3/36 period.....if not....personally beleive the dealership/chevy did good in replacing it twice.....I honestly would expect a dealership to replace anything for free on a car with 100K on it......
Just possibly you have a loose connection to the electric steering motor that
goes bad under engine torque rocking (assuming you don't have the hydraulic steering of the Maxx SS) Check all the cables if you do have electric steering.)
Already replaced the column with similar-- temporary failure which permanently failed-- about 2 years ago. It was out of warranty by a few thousand miles, but GM reimbursed me months later. Ran about $700 at that time.
Other than that, I'm still very happy with the car which has just crossed 75K. Column failure and a blend door under warranty are the only problems. Other car is a Kia Optima, one year newer, with less mileage which has been 100% reliable for three plus years.
Any ideas what to check, My Local dealer should be my la$t option. D~
2006 Malibu Maxx LTZ
Parts: Shaft, Steering Intermediate 25962603 & Shaft Kit 06526 - PC
GM did a goodwill repair (no cost) at 70,000 + miles
2004 Maxx LS
Yes
Strange - you mentioned replacing right rear caliper - I had to replace it also. Another manufacturing/engineering defect? The piston in the caliper wouldn't totally release causing the rotor to score.
the fact you had the steering issue documented probably muliple times....convinced GM to replace the column.....that is certainly a weak link in the early MY malibus......
The first clunk point: A repair any one can do:
I was advised regarding the clunk noise and a home band-aid regarding greesing. Look for the steering shaft. From the engine bay the steeing shaft is hard to see. Get a light in there and you will see a universal joint. A shaft coming from the steering wheel conected by a universal joint to a shaft that goes into the steering box. The shaft/joint will probably be very rusty in colour, meaning they are dry and need to be oiled and greesed. It took me a few minutes to get a can of penatrating oil in the availble space and square up the spray nozel. Once aimed properly spray the heck out of this joint with a penatrating oil. Move can away, start car and rotate the shaft by turning the steeing wheel to spray the back of the universal joint. Once done, squeeze your hand in there if you can and pack any kind of greese around this joint. If you can hoist the car up, you will have a better view and accesabilty of the shaft/joint. it did not get rid of my clunk, since the joint has been greesed, it is not so agreesive. The shaft and join get rusty along with a poor design.
The second clunk issue: is in the steeing shaft. Disconnecting the steeing shaft from the universal joint. Technicians have been greesing the heck out of the steering shaft.
I am not that confident. So i opted for greesing the universal joint. I noticed a little little clunk on my 2008 HHR. And It has the exact same set up. Exept not as rusty. did the same thing. Happy motoring!
Had it done about 5 months ago and so far steering is excellent, i.e., normal.
Since I had a record of problems with steering there wasn't a charge for the new shaft.
for the longest time always thought is was the suspension...but had it checked by several different mechanics...none of whom could find anything......so just simply lived with the slight clunk.........
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/tsb-06-02-32-007-a-35203/
In the same time, the dealer negociated with GMPP for a $1200 dollar ABC module replacement. My car is 78km over the GMPP extended warranty but the dealer convinced the GMPP field rep for a goodwill. I am quite happy with this dealer which is in ottawa, canada (chevy west).
my readings of the forum indicate it requires a steering column replacement, not sure it can just be the sensor.....the repair also requires a recalibration of the steering column....the running costs I have seen are approx 7-800 for this repair....
I also assume you are using a independent mechanic and not a dealership...again....I doubt you will get much help unless you work through a dealership unfortunately.....even if you independent mechanic states its a faulty design...my first stop would be a dealership, then to GM customer service.....the failure was noted by NHTSA but the engineering case closed as being handled under warranty by GM
I too have an 04 Maxx LT, with 175K on it that will be 7 years old in Feb 11.....and no major OEM parts replaced or failed yet.....hoping I can make 225-250K before I trade it.......
What is being done that is covered under warranty?
At a minimum - if you are "hostage" to this dealer, request the part number of the "pump" and all defective parts to be returned to you/daughter.
GM never changes, I guess, everytime they introduce a new system, like electric steering, there are serious reliability defects.
I've been reading this forum for the whole summer, trying to diagnose my malibu maxx, and I'm not quite sure what to look for. In spring of 2009 when the malibu was still my mom and dad's "Let's do everything in this car" car the steering column was replaced out of pocket along with a transmission flush. The a/c compressor blew out later that summer and the car was garaged until I fixed it myself The clunk never really left, but this past year before I was given the car as a graduation present, my dad really did a number on it. I've already replaced the wheels and tires(2 wheels were bent) Had the coolant flushed(almost empty) With 128k miles, I am still trying to tackle the obvious maintenance items. But I am having trouble figuring out what exactly is causing my front end rumble. The wheels made a lot the roar disappear, but I'm confused as whether it's simply the shocks and struts that have never been replaced causing it or the tie-rods or something more serious. If it's the steering column then I don't care.. I'll deal with that demon again when it starts cutting out. I am planning on replacing shocks, struts soon, but any ideas? Will they replace the bushing as well? It's handles the same I feel, just feels like worn out shocks to me. No ticking or popping, minus the brakes. But I also have this deal where if it sits for a little while running it gets awful hot well in between overheating and the mid-line. With a/c on. I don't think I hear the fans coming on. The a/c also cuts out from time to time when sitting in traffic or stopped in general with a/c on and the engine starts getting hot and shaking tad.. I read about some sort of gasket, but I'm not leaking coolant. I also think my rear-main seal is leaking but I need to address these first. Any ideas before I ramble to dealership that hates to listen?? Please HELP! I WANT MY MALI MAXX TO LAST FOREVER! X(
I checked the lil 2 amp fuse but it's ok.
(Dealer did my rack warrarty work a year ago. Car now has 105K.
I hate GM electrical probalems ! ! !
Any Ideas?
A
I did notice that a sway bar link is damaged. the boot covering the joint where it connects to the wheel is cracked open. I plan on replacing it because i know it wont pass inspection reguardless if thats the problem or not.
Anyone have any suggestions?
At least then you can explain to your mechanic intelligently what seems to be the problem.
Some of these noises are hard to describe "sounds like race car? is it a grinding or ?
I once had the Brake caliper worn enough that at times the rusty outer diameter lip that was not usually in contact with the pads did so during sharp cornering flex? who knows" but turning the rotors a bit may solve this. If that is what it is.
I just wanted to check in to see if you had been working with a dealership, or through an independent shop for the alignment? If it was the former, and if you had wanted for us to check into this further, we can be reached via email at socialmedia@gm.com (include your name, contact information, and the last 8 of your VIN).
Sarah, GM Customer Service