Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Steering/Suspension Questions

12346»

Comments

  • madmaxx2madmaxx2 Member Posts: 2
    After the dealings I had today with GM, I'd get it in writing. The dealership was great, but GM was insulting.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    not a hit..but just a comment that you are replying to posts that are 3 -4 years old on the forum....doubt the original poster is still around...

    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...
  • col2col2 Member Posts: 2
    I have replaced my 05 maxx's rack and pinion 2x since I bought itn used in 2007. Now it needs it again. I called GM and they told me because of the milage, they can't help me. It has 135000. on it. I called the chevy dealer in town and he hasn't gotten back to me yet. So what should I do?
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    when you say you replaced...do you mean under warranty or did you actually pay to have it replaced....would have to side with Chevy at this point with 135K on the car...despite a history of the failure....how many miles did it have on it when you bought it used???

    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.
  • col2col2 Member Posts: 2
    The first 2x replacing the rack and pinion were under warenty. It had 65000 miles on it. when I bought it. 2 replacements in 2 years now the same part in this year.!
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    but did they replace the steering column or part of the suspension? the malibu doesnt have rack and pinion steering....its electric assist....and the column contacts sometimes get corroded thus forcing a change.....what is the issue with the rack and pinion...noise/ vibration, lost of steering?

    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......
  • pkd01branpkd01bran Member Posts: 10
    Vehicle does not have a typical rack-and-pinion, but it does have a similar sort of part. Vehicle is indeed electric-assist power-steering, not old-fashioned hydraulic power steering. There have been dozens of GM Technical Service Bulletins ["TSBs"] on troubles with, combining items, steering/suspension/alignment/wheels/tires (TSBs can be tracked via other portions of Edmunds, or via Alldatadiy.com and you really must read them if you are going to continue to own the car). If you have had rack replaced WITH the latest Genuine GM part-number part, BY A Chevrolet dealer, and there are still steering troubles, then likely some other part[s] needs to be replaced. My advices: (A) Have all work on these sorts of things, including alignments, done by the service department at the best Chevy dealer in your region (even tho it will cost more); they will be familiar with this stuff, and will have the latest iteration Genuine GM parts, critically important. (B) If you get everything right including alignment, and 4 good matched tires, properly inflated, and no bent wheels, the car will steer properly. (C) If parts have been replaced and there are still problems, ask the dealer to adjust the sensors in the steering-column assembly (they input both the electric-assist-motor's electronics and the main GM LAN including the "main computer"). (D) Don't expect GM to offer any warranty coverage on this stuff. (E) If all you end up with after lots of work done is some clunking noises over bumps, consider yourself lucky.
  • billiambarnettbilliambarnett Member Posts: 4
    2006 MAX X, under hard acceleration i loose power steering. Any know the issue? :cry:
  • comem47comem47 Member Posts: 399
    2006 MAX X, under hard acceleration i loose power steering. Any know the issue?

    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.)
  • csandstecsandste Member Posts: 1,866
    Hand my power steering fail in single digit temperatures today. Turned car off, then back on and everything was fine. Had noticed some roughness at times for a week or so before.

    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.
  • drejdrej Member Posts: 119
    On My 05 I got similar reactions, I had a Code flash on the Radio Display, "Pwr Steering" But no other Details, I got No CEL. 85 K miles and stil ok other wise
    Any ideas what to check, My Local dealer should be my la$t option. D~
  • tim1310tim1310 Member Posts: 3
    There was a service bulletin issued on the '05 steering. I saw it posted somewhere in this forum. It extended the factory warrenty to 7 years from the date of production for this problem. It is supposed to cover 100% of the repair if that turns out to be the problem. You might want to look into it.
  • tim1310tim1310 Member Posts: 3
    You can register at www.gm.com and view the owner's manual online.
  • madmaxx06madmaxx06 Member Posts: 3
    2 weeks ago the passenger sided wheel bearing and the drivers side control arm ball joint were replaced. The alignment was adjusted. Now this week the passenger side cv axle was replaced. Signs that the book has been leaking out grease for over a year. I am sure hoping this is all the repairs for my Maxx for a while.

    2006 Malibu Maxx LTZ
  • maxxlibertymaxxliberty Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2010
    After parts replaced noise went away - don't know for how long.

    Parts: Shaft, Steering Intermediate 25962603 & Shaft Kit 06526 - PC

    GM did a goodwill repair (no cost) at 70,000 + miles

    2004 Maxx LS
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    great on the goodwill repair by GM...did you have previous problems documented on the steering prior to this....guess I have been fortunate with my 04 Maxx LT, about to roll 167K and no major repairs yet....have replaced right rear brake caliper and right front inner and lower tire rods......but no other problems......
  • maxxlibertymaxxliberty Member Posts: 82
    "...did you have previous problems documented on the steering prior to this...."

    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.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    my replacement was due to it leaking...would consider it a defect based on the age and mileage on the car....6 plus years and 160K.....

    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......
  • rdesantisrdesantis Member Posts: 30
    There are two clunk points of interest.

    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!
  • maxxlibertymaxxliberty Member Posts: 82
    Took my 2004 Maxx to dealers several times about "clunk". Until the last time the dealers apparently just lubed the joint, joint was super rusty. This last time a new shaft was installed - it is possibly a new design, no bare metal - it looks painted or powder coated black.

    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.
  • comem47comem47 Member Posts: 399
    It's been over 2 years since the factory "22687711 kit" was installed on my wife's '06 Maxx under warranty and so far it's been fine since.
  • patmaxxltpatmaxxlt Member Posts: 2
    Here's a link I found to service bulletin 06-02-32-007F related to this problem, though it doesn't mention warranty extension. I have the clunking problem too. http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/AlSmitty/2010-03-06_164922_Steering_Shaft.pdf
  • patmaxxltpatmaxxlt Member Posts: 2
    I just had to replace my leaking right rear brake caliper too - at just under 123K miles.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    this describes a condition on my 04 Maxx perfectly (clunk in steering column) ....long past warranty at this point at 172K...and no long term impact at this point.....wanting to make 200k before I let it go perhaps......only time will tell....

    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.........
  • comem47comem47 Member Posts: 399
    Well pao, since your 2004 is of the first design shaft it looks like you can follow the instructions in the bulletin supplied by patmaxxlt (thanks!!!) and just grease the shaft coupling. Worth a try.
  • pkd01branpkd01bran Member Posts: 10
    NO! DO NOT use any grease or lube unless/until you have read and understand the LATEST version of that Technical Service Bulletin ["TSB"], which is 06-02-32-007G which came out in April 2010. (NOTE the G at the end.) I know it can cost big bucks, but the best place to get any steering or suspension or alignment or wheel or brake, etc. stuff worked on on these extremely difficult cars is the Service Department of a high-volume Chevrolet dealer (use a high-volume one, as they will have seen a lot of these cars, and will be most familiar with the TSBs, the latest-series parts, etc.).
  • comem47comem47 Member Posts: 399
    That TSB does not seem to address the same part at all (steering coupling), so I fail to see why greasing the older style coupling as recommended by the earlier version of the shaft would not apply if that is found to be the source. (the newer version of the shaft should not be greased but replaced per that TSB, but this TSB addresses other possible causes.

    http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/tsb-06-02-32-007-a-35203/
  • hhmaxhhmax Member Posts: 44
    2005 maxx LT lost power steering in when pulling out of drive way. I had the information letter saying that the steering column had a service adjustment of 10years 160,000 kms (in canada). My question is: Is this a one time replacement or it is a extended warranty of 10years 160,000kms for the steering column?
  • pkd01branpkd01bran Member Posts: 10
    RE the brakes, including calipers, everything is very trouble-prone; note that the Brakes have a Black Dot in the Consumer Reports auto Frequency Of Repair Records in the Annual Auto Issue which comes out each April (and is updated/duplicated in the Annual Buying Guide issue/softcover-book that comes out each December). There is also a Black Dot for the Suspension, which in Consumer Reports' systems inclusions includes everything to do with steering.
  • pkd01branpkd01bran Member Posts: 10
    Read that "Customer Letter" [industry term] very carefully; you'll note that it only applies to one part, and even then you have to have 4 or 5 things/parts go wrong exactly in the way it says, to qualify.
  • hhmaxhhmax Member Posts: 44
    actually there was no problem at all for them to replace it. However, they didn't return that information letter to me. So I am wondering if I should ask for another letter from GM if it is not a one time thing.

    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).
  • roxborobillroxborobill Member Posts: 1
    The power steering failed in my '04 Malibu Maxx (exactly 25 days after making my final loan payment!)_and the repair shop tells me the failure is due to a faulty design. However, GM has not issued a recall and the car is out of warranty, so I'm facing a repair bill of several hundred dollars. I registered with Edmonds after finding this discussion in searching the internet for more info about Chev steering problems. So I'm new to this but would appreciate help in finding out how to make GM responsive to customer complaints and to get some financial help in paying for this surprise cost. I've already told the mechanic to go ahead and fix the car...it's a sensor in the power steering system that requires the steering column to be pulled, the sensor to be replaced and an in-car computer update. Thanks. Bill J in Roxboro, NC.
  • paopao Member Posts: 1,867
    the power steering failures have been a weak link in the 04s to include other suspension parts....most folks had it happen early in the life of the car..or had it documented during the warranty period....yours as a single failure may be difficult to get any help on..especially one approaching 6-7 years old...and how many miles?

    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.......
  • tim1310tim1310 Member Posts: 3
    I own an '06 Maxx, which I had bought used. I received a letter from GM which extended the warranty on the power steering for this problem to 10 years/100K miles. Yours should be covered.
  • 07maxx07maxx Member Posts: 7
    When I accelerate very briskly the steering locks up. Can't turn the steering wheel. Anyone else see this problem? Have a 2006 with 97K miles and it has been an excellent car. Had to have the rotors cut at 85K miles, but other than that has been routine maintenance and 30mpg average.
  • mdillon123mdillon123 Member Posts: 2
    Daughter just took 05 Malibu Maxx in to replace the steering column-it locked up while going through drive-through and had letter from Chevy..however, dealer just called and said "steering pump" also needs replacing. I asked how often both go out, at the same time. "not often". Huh. So its just a coincidence that one is covered under warranty and one isn't (the pump)? "yes, just a coincidence". He wants $350 or so..is this common? Has anyone else experienced this? My mind immediately goes to this guy doesn't get reimbursed enough for the warranty item and is throwing this in so he can make some money. The car is with daughter at college, so we are not there to discuss in person. Need to give him an answer Monday on whether to continue the repair. Thanks for any input.
  • maxxlibertymaxxliberty Member Posts: 82
    I'd get a second opinion from another dealer if possible. If not possible - I don't remember a "pump" being part of the electric steering. I believe what's needed for steering is all in the steering rack and steering shaft.

    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.
  • comem47comem47 Member Posts: 399
    AFAIK only the Malibu Maxx SS model uses a conventional hydraulic pump. The other variations of Malibu are essentially electric motors.
  • sgr5516sgr5516 Member Posts: 163
    I agree with getting 2nd opinion. I had an 04 Maxx LS and now have an 06 Maxx LTZ (neither an SS). Both had electric steering. The columns were replaced in both several times under (extended) warranty/recall. The rack also was replaced on both the 04 and 06 and intermediate shaft 2 times on the 06. All at no cost to me. The electric motor and sensors are attached to and replaced with the steering column inside the car. There is no pump. Of course maybe the 05 is different, but I doubt it. If it is a hydrolic system, there would be no need to replace steering column.
  • hwillm1977hwillm1977 Member Posts: 1
    I've just taken my 2005 Malibu Maxx for it's annual safety inspection and discovered it needs a steering rack replacement. How do I go about finding out if this is covered under some secret extended warranty? The car has about 110,000KM on it. I've contacted GM through their website, but don't have a response yet and the car is sitting at the mechanics waiting for word.
  • mdillon123mdillon123 Member Posts: 2
    I just got my 05 Malibu Maxx back from dealership. Steering wheel pump is covered under the extended warranty for this (you should have gotten a letter earlier this year), but column was NOT covered and needed to be replaced as well. Found it fishy that both would go at the same time, yet only one part of it was considered under the special warranty. There is also a milage requirement and can't remember what that is. With 110,000 on your car you may be over it. Mine had 80,000. The dealership would know about the warranty-plus just google it and find out as well. I think Edmunds has something about it.
  • smaxxsmaxx Member Posts: 10
    I would get a second opinion, especially if you went to a dealer. I was once told by a dealer that I needed a new steering rack for my '06 Maxx. I went to an independent mechanic and he just replaced a ball joint.
  • tybrentadotybrentado Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    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(
  • andymaxandymax Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2011
    Was turning right and completely lost the EPS and almost went straight into other trafic. I noticed a 80 amp fuse is listed for the EPS. Has anyone had issues with fuses?
    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
  • 07maxx07maxx Member Posts: 7
    Should be under warranty if work done within lsat year. I would certainly be ragging them about it.
  • dre17dre17 Member Posts: 1
    I HAD THE SAME ISSUE, THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE IGNITION COIL. WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS AND THE VOLTAGE SPIKES TO 16 VOLTS FOR MORE THEN 3 SECONDS THE ELECTRONIC PS AND OTHER SYSTEMS SHUT DOWN. HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE THE COIL AND ADD THE GROUND STRAP AND THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED.
  • mockbearmockbear Member Posts: 2
    The car has been making a noise when turning right for some time. It sounds like.... a "race car".. its hard to describe a sound. its like a slight vibration that can be felt on the floor of the passenger side. I took it into today and had the front tires replaced (they were worn) and the car aligned. I was hoping this would fix the problem but it did not. I jacked the front end up and checked both tires for play (thinking maybe the wheel bearing is going bad) but both seemed fine.
    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?
  • mockbearmockbear Member Posts: 2
    Replaced sway bar link and still having same noise. While i had the wheel off and checked the wheel for play and its tight so i wouldnt think it would be the wheel bearing. the axle seems tight too, but it could be a bearing going bad inside the axle?
  • andymaxandymax Member Posts: 2
    A wheel bearing going bad (when you are turning right) would make noise on the left "drivers wheel side" since all the weight of the car is loaded up on that tire when cornering. usually CV joints are similar to diagnose but under load. I often pay attention to these noises/feelings when turning. I jot down the condition and after a few repeat situations can determine the side going bad. (I recently did this drive test to figure out which rotor was warped, then simply swapped it out when I got home and its fine now. (the Rotors warp nutoriously on these cars (at least my 05 Max)
    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.
  • gmcustsvcsarahgmcustsvcsarah Member Posts: 1,964
    mockbear,
    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
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles