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Chevrolet Malibu Steering/Suspension
kurt,et al: I guess if there is no replacement parts coming for the front end, then there is no point in me bringing in the car, eh? I can get the front end to rattle by running over manhole covers, one side at a time, or by turning into a driveway and hitting the concrete apron one tire at a time. Should I even bother having the service person test drive it at all, given the fact that no new designed parts are coming any time soon?
Also, I have only had my driver's side strut replaced for this condition. Obviously it did nothing. What other parts have people had replace which did nothing? I don't want to waste my time having my car rebuilt with parts that won't solve the problem. Thanks in advance.
Also, I have only had my driver's side strut replaced for this condition. Obviously it did nothing. What other parts have people had replace which did nothing? I don't want to waste my time having my car rebuilt with parts that won't solve the problem. Thanks in advance.
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Comments
Elsewhere in this thread, or the Maxx thread, there was a referral to a service bulletin describing the problem.
If it is any consolation, wrt Consumers U, 2004 Maxxes did __much__worse than average in suspension components problems. Brakes, body integrity, and Electrical were all worse than average. Right in line with what I have gone through with my Maxx. The '05 version, so far (which I do not own), is doing better.
Todays thought: never, never, NEVER buy a first year car,
Unless you enjoy pain. :sick:
Unless you enjoy pain
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I bought a 04 Malibu, 17K right now, no real problems since the first bugs, transmission chain, all rotors warped.
Left front corner light, 1 software update and now waiting for front sway bar bushings, noisy when turning corners. We like the car, just rotated the tires and brakes still look new.
I wasn't so lucky - the spirit probably doesn't like our smog
I too have the front suspension noises...but with it being a design or re-engineering effort..not much that can be done about it ......so you live with the noise...and I honestly dont pay attention to it any more....
still getting about 27-28 MPG city and highway combined....running mobil 1 sythn oil and changing about every 6500 miles or so...... still very happy with the Maxx......but again probably the silent majority here...
I'm sure this forum represents a tiny percentage of Malibu owners and I've found any type of online forum to attract the most dissatisfied people on whatever issue the forum is dealing with. Usually if people are happy, you dont hear from them.
There seems to be very few issues with the new Malibu as compared to the previous version. If one is to browse the Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc. forums, you will see alot of problems as well. Such as the Nissan engine problem where some intake bolts loosen are are sucked into the engine, destroying it completely!
I think the Malibu is a great car with a great mix of good old proven technology combined with some fantastic new technology hopefully representing an upswing in quality which is long overdue. It's really hard to believe that North American cars have taken so long to face the challenge of the competition.
1.) The steering. I have read that the steering can give out and total loss of steering (and loss of control) happens. Is it similar to a car w/ normal power steering that fails, or is it more serious?
I know the 2004 were recalled until a certain build date, but I have read about 05's on NHSTA's webpage, and failure. Educate me please on this one!
2.) Engine on V6. I had a 97 Lumina w/ a leaky intake manifold gasket at 58k. It was replaced and pinged just terribly. I know they are very similar and GM had some problems with those gaskets leaking. Are they completely fixed?
3.) Transmissions- How are they ? are they fairly trustworthy??
4.) Any thing else - good and bad.
Thanks!
However, the steering rack remains a weak spot in most new malibus, with a fix supposedly coming in second quarter of '06.
My '04 transmission was built just before the time a whole bunch of "howling trannys" wer ebuilt, but so far mine has been ok. '05's have a revision to that trans.
No problems with the '04 V6 so far.
2.) While the 3.5L V6 is closely related to the 3.1/3.4 that had lots of intake manifold gasket problems, they are using a new gasket now that is supposed to fix the problem.
3.) I wouldn't worry about the transmission, it's been around for since the early to mid 90s and should prove dependable.
I read on some webpage a women had her steering fail, and she couldn't control the car - something like it locked up or something?? heard anything about that?
The failing steering is probably due to the defective steering columm a number of '04 and '05 models got built with. There have been a few reported cases of the car steering itself, but usually it just dies and the driver has to rely on manual steering until the columm/steering system is repaired.
In 2007, electric steering is going bye-bye on the Malibu Maxx and most of the Malibus, as they go to the hydraulic system used on the SS.
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Does that mean the rest of us with EPS get a life time warranty?
The suspension on the Malibu is weak, unfortunately, as is the one on its Saab/Opel cousin.
I own a 2004 Malibu and this is what I have found out. Malibu, malibu Maxx, and Pont/ G6 all have the same steering system. I have had the column replaced and this did not solve the problems with the electric steering.
GM replaced the rack & pinion (P/N 15858368 gear 6.508)
this is a engineering defect in design, and can be repaired under warranty.You should hear a noise when turning left at low speed, like going around a corner.
GM Doc. # 1819760 states that the problem will return after 3000 to 5000 miles.
GM has had many many complaints on the steering problems, so ask about the part number that I have given you.
mhelsel
returned rack has the same part number? STRANGE? Dealer told me today that EDMUND's problems & solutions is all grabage and not believe it because it's not GM.
:confuse:
he, he, he...I'm sure the dozen or so GM employees who monitor this board each day will get a kick out of that!!
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
As for solutions being "garbage", the ones I have gotten from here have been helpful, and in a few cases helped identify problems for my servicing dealer (both of which have a revolving door wrt personnel and are highly variable).
With 31K on this car, this has me thinking: What do repairs to this electric steering system cost when out of warranty? I presume that most of the people posting here have had their problems taken care of under warranty.
Maybe I should pay more attention to those scary things I get in the mail from the people trying to sell me a GM extended warranty ?
GMPP is going to be expensive now that you have over 24K on the car.....but a personal choice to buy an extended warranty....good luck
the deckdog
Other than that I really like the car - versatile, comfortable and I avg 27mpg in rush hour driving and 32mpg on highway.
Interesting that 17" wheels (on many of the '07 Malibus) require a restricted turning radius gear. Given that the Maxx already has a big turning circle with 16" wheels, the fact a 17" wheeled Maxx or Malibu is worse is a big disincentive to update to newer maxx.
My Malibu seems to be a fantastic vehicle without serious defects . Gas mileage is amazing ,steering is fine and no rattles as others have reported in earlier models.
Cruise creeps going downhill , but this is an awareness issue that I can live with. Hope everyone works out there issues , I know GM can be horrible to deal with if you are having problems with one of their products.
Bought my 2006 Malibu LT on 11/13/06, then on 11/26/06, while making a r/t and accelerating to get into the furthest left lane, boom the steering wheel locked, only for 2-3 seconds., long enough to make my heart stop. I went right back to the dealer (closed) hence, called the next day and against the head service depts advice, I made an appt for the following Monday, 12/4/06, but only to have it happen again 5 days later and hit 2 parked cars..giving me $7,000.00 worth of damage ( PT Cruiser has a smashed tail light-$35.00 and the Toyota Camary-no damage). I am working w/my insurance co and the dealer couldn't find anything wrong...surprise surprise. If anyone can share a story, I could use the help. I don't know if I should keep the car????
I took my son's blazer to the dealer today for some work and talked to the service writer about the returning steering clunk in my 05 Malibu. I told her that I already have had the gear changed out a few months ago and she told me that GM has now switched manufacturers for the steering gear within the past month or so and that the new replacement part that was being put in would correct the problem once and for all. She says at this point in time they are not plentiful but could have one for me within a week. Has anybody else heard about this? Thanks.
thedeckdog
We are yet another Malibu (Maxx) owner with the steering clunk problem. Our has been serviced 3 times now, twice with replacing the steering gear. We have been told we have had th new design for the last 2 replacements. I would definitely suggest calling the Chevy 800 number and tell them about the problem. The more they hear I think the better. We already have a case going with them. With the last "newly" designed gear failing in 6 months I told them I have no question that the one they just installed this month will fail in another 6 months or less. Unfortunately we will be out of warranty in about 5 months. My concern is there does not seem like a real fix to this problem. I am not having a lifetime of replacing a steering gear with every oil change.
sorry for your issues......
On to the next problem for us. Discovered a crack between muffler and exhast pipe where it looks like they corroded and cracked.
I called and asked you exact question to the 800 number and there answer to me was since it has been serviced 3x times under warranty if it happens again close to when the warranty goes out they will take care of it. We are trying to use this car more then our other because I have on fear it will return in the next 5 to 6K miles. They said at the point we can discuss how long Chevy will cover it for. If thy do not come up with a good solution we will dump the car and GM will lose another long time customer. (I don't think they have many left at this point, and they don't really care either.) I would get yours fixed right away if for no better reason then to keep the paperwork and documentation of it getting serviced yet again. They seem to only pay attention after several time fixing it. Do call and log the issue with the 800 number also.
I've got about 6K left on my warranty so I took my Malibu back in to have the clunk fixed again. This time they replaced the intermediate shaft and the noise is gone. According to the service dept. since I had the steering gear replaced a few months ago I had gotten the most up to date part so they replaced the shaft. Hopefully now with both items replaced it will cure the clunking problem. If it returns I hope it happens within the next 6000 miles, then I'll have it done for the third time. Has anyone else had both parts replaced and has it returned? Thanks.
thedeckdog
Car has been nothing short of an insane nuisance. A firm call to GM netted us an extended warranty for free.
This is an awesome car!!! You would have to pay $7,000 to $10,000 more on a Camry or Accord to get everything you get with the Malibu.
Get with the GM or Chevy 800 number to get them to extend the warranty due to issues. I am.
Oh yeah, and Chevy gives a free loaner if kept overnight for service, not Honda or Toyota.
I replaced the steering column a few months ago-- power steering intermittently then permanently failed =$800. I know there's a rack that fails-- the Maxx board stated $600.
What's the intermediate shaft?
Is there a separate pinion below the steering column?
Are there 2,3 or 4 parts including the rack and steering column? How much do these other parts cost to replace?
I still like my Maxx better than any car I've had but throw in several more $600-$800 steering parts and I'll be a bit turned off.
I havent done anything to mine...and have over 101K on the car now..without any problems with the suspension or steering....depending on the severity of your "Clunk" it simply may be something you have to live with in all honesty....again..doesnt seem to effect anything long term..at least not on mine....
My biggest complaint with the car is rattles. There's a lot of them. The sunroof, the headliner, the dashboard, etc etc etc...
One thing I did find out is (one of the many) noises I thought was coming from the front suspension was in fact the coolant reservoir bottle banging against the firewall.
Another annoying thing is wrong parts listed at the parts store. I bought new front rotors from AutoZone and they were the wrong ones. I need the other part they had listed for the model without rear discs (mine has 4 wheel disc brakes). Now I want to replace the shocks. AutoZone has a strut listed for the rear. PepBoys has both a strut and shock. It's a shock under there!!