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Comments
1. From inside the vehicle, spray GM Superlube, PIN 12346241 (in Canada, use PIN 10953474), into the gap between the inner shaft and outer shaft at the steering shaft for about two to three seconds.
2. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel 180 degrees and spray into the gap between the inner
shaft and the outer shaft again for about two to three seconds.
3. Wipe off any excessive lubricant that may run down the outer shaft with a shop towel.
4. Cycle the steering whee1 lock to lock for two complete cycles.
I was thinking that good penetrating oil might work like PB Blaster.
Mine was done under warranty so if it comes back I will know what to do.
Thanks for letting us know how it worked.
I found out this morning this problem is occuring on the 2005 models only.
Hope this helps,
Rick
Now I can focus on the rattles in the headliner and everywhere else! Ugh...
Any ideas on what is the best fix and/or if GM will own up to any part of the fix?
What is the letter you got? Is there a # attached to it, or a phone #?
Thanks!!
Anyone else get that letter?
Anyone else get that letter?
My Malibu's power steering is not working at all as of today.
I said, "Oh yea!! Tell my wife there is nothing wrong with the power steering."
I then called GM customer assistance and who said the '05 could be covered by the steering problem but not the '04. Go figure!!
I have a clunk and was told it was a tie rod end, but when I raised the car and checked the tie rods, they seemed fine. The rack looked like it had some play in it though. I have 53k miles.
I'm not concerned with a clunk now and then. When the power steering quits, THAT'S a problem.
1. From inside the vehicle, spray GM Superlube, PIN 12346241 (in Canada, use PIN 10953474), into the gap between the inner shaft and outer shaft at the steering shaft for about two to three seconds.
2. Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel 180 degrees and spray into the gap between the inner shaft and the outer shaft again for about two to three seconds.
3. Wipe off any excessive lubricant that may run down the outer shaft with a shop towel.
4. Cycle the steering wheel lock to lock for two complete cycles.
Go here to see where to lube.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/gonogo/1971218.gif
If there ever was a loss of power steering, a DIC warning should have come up and I gather that will be in it's memory. If so, it wont matter if it actually does it when in for service. They should be able to retrieve the DIC message if one had come up at some point. That qualifies for the column replacement. Thats the way I understand it.
It has never happen to me, but many times to my wife and once to my daughter.
The "wrench" appears on the instrement panel
When I brought it in they did clear a few codes. One may have been for the steering, but, as I said, they are not covering 2004's.
Looks like that's the description of the problem outlined in the letter i got about steering column replacement warranty extension. I'll be talking to the dealer today and post back.
Thx!
Is that lube the same as WD-40 or others along that line?
I found the main power steering fuse was a little loose. It's located at the top of the fuse and relay box, under the left side of the hood in front of the firewall, I think it's an 80 amp. I replaced it for about $10.
Knock on wood, the problem has not reaccured.
Dealer called 6/14/08 and was not able to duplicate any problem?? Dealer suggested that the car be picked up & driven home. I said "ABSOLUTELY NOT !
UNTIL STEERING IS FIXED." I called GM's 800 # and informed GM that since 2004 they have turned a BLIND EYE to a SERIOUS manufacturing defect. I told GM that I WILL NOT pick up my car that is currently at the dealer for repair. I also told GM that the dealer was unable to duplicate my steering issues. GM stated they would follow-up with dealer and call me back.
After ongoing communication, 6/16/08, with my dealer whom I like, I finally established that the dealer's problem is not me but with GM who built the car! GM returned my call 6/17/08 and detailed that the reported problem(s) could not be duplicated for the car to be repaired!!!!!!! I told GM that this car WILL NOT be picked up until a repair is completed and guaranteed.
My dealer had a Regional Service Manager inspect my car. He advised my dealer to replace the steering column. To date, 6/20/08, my car is awaiting delivery of the part(s) suggested to repair the problem????
After daily phone calls from the GM rep. I was informed on 7/1/08 that my car was repaired. On 7/2/08 I picked up the car with to date no steering issues.
The GM rep phoned me to discuss my car's repair. I negotiated with him that GM needs to backup their parts & work so that this problem does not reoccur. With 11,500 miles now on my car, GM rep stated that GM would give my 5 yrs/100,000 mile warranty on my steering.
Wheel on that side was loose. Not a bad job, 2 hours to remove and 1 hr 20 minutes to install. My next job is the driver side axle seal leaking, this Malibu is turning into my hobby LOL. 42 K miles 04
My neighbor had a Malibu and had the same problem but his was a lease.
Good luck and I hope everything works out.
Latest news, found the passenger side rear spring broken about 2 inches up. My hobby continues.LOL
Another problem is every so often the left front turn signal socket gets corroded and stops blinking. I just pop out the bulb and smear some dialectric grease on it and it's fine. It NEVER happens to the right side. I even had the dealer replace the whole front lamp assembly.
I had to get most of the exhaust pipe and muffler replaced because of a crack but that was at well over 100K. I have a slow leak in one rear caliper.
Overall I'm fairly satisfied with the car. Engine still runs strong and doesn't burn oil. Still gets decent mpgs. Tranny seems to be OK. No problems shifting or slipping. I've had the fluid changed twice in 130K. Original coolant too.
not sure about your vibration....I upgraded to 17 inch aftermarket rims.....several years ago and am very happy with them and the driveability of the car.......no problems with the exhaust to date......and as you stated..engine and trans still seem strong..with good MPG.......did all the major services at 95K and will change all the fluids again at 150K.......