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Chevrolet Malibu Transmission

136 messages,  Last post on Mar 13, 2013 at 7:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Transmission, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 14

#11 of 136 New transmission noise by davismaxx

Aug 28, 2005 (9:44 pm)

We haven't had the "howl" issue with our transmission, but now at 18K it is making a wheeze/scratch sound on the 3-4 shift under load, such as uphill or with weight, but not on light acceleration. Reminds me of the sound I have heard in lots of buses with automatics--sort of like it is under-lubricated. Anyone else experienced this/gotten it fixed?
 
Also--any more news on the steering rattle? We were at a camp this summer on a dirt road and it sounded like the whole front suspension was coming apart--something is really loose in there. You feel it in the wheel as well as hearing it. I've had no luck with this at two dealers--both are in areas with extremely smooth streets so no way to demonstrate it!
 
DavisMaxx
2004 LS
May '04 build
vin 237245

#12 of 136 Re: New transmission noise [davismaxx] by joe3891

Aug 29, 2005 (9:36 am)

Replying to: davismaxx (Aug 28, 2005 9:44 pm)
I assume you mean the 4-3 down shift under load, have not heard about it before.
The steering preload needs adjusting, I think you need a new dealer.

#13 of 136 Re: New transmission noise [joe3891] by davismaxx

Aug 29, 2005 (4:21 pm)

Replying to: joe3891 (Aug 29, 2005 9:36 am)
I mean the upshift. If it winds out to 3500 rpm or so before shifting to 4th I get the noise. There is a high pitched component to it. It's sort of a cricket sound.
 
I see that "steering preload" adjustment seems to have solved the steering rattle for someone else. I'll ask about that.

#14 of 136 Re: New transmission noise [davismaxx] by blackmaxx1

Jul 04, 2006 (1:54 am)

Replying to: davismaxx (Aug 28, 2005 9:44 pm)
I have exactly the same problem with my 04 Maxx LT transmission since I bought it 8000 miles ago. The sound is only on upshifting under load. The dealer replaced the accessory drive belt with a new belt(new design), but the problem remains. Any idea yet what is causing the sound?

#15 of 136 Re: New transmission noise [blackmaxx1] by maxx4me

Jul 04, 2006 (4:55 am)

Replying to: blackmaxx1 (Jul 04, 2006 1:54 am)
yep, I heard that same noise the other day while I was driving in the city. I figured I was in for a tough ride home, but the problem has not appeared again since. Does your tranny noise happen all the time on the upshift, or is it another noise which comes and goes.

#16 of 136 Re: New transmission noise [maxx4me] by blackmaxx1

Jul 04, 2006 (7:16 am)

Replying to: maxx4me (Jul 04, 2006 4:55 am)
The sound comes and goes, but I hear it every day. The more load on the engine, like 3 passengers in the car, the better the chances of hearing the noise. Only on upshifting.

#17 of 136 Some help for More than Irritating !!!! by malibuinsc

Jul 18, 2006 (4:45 am)

Hi, Some of your problems aren't too hard to explain. I've had those too. I have over 203,000 miles on my 98 Malibu LS. Those squeaks you hear are the rear control arm bushings that are located near the center of the suspension setup. Bushings should be about $20.00. A dealer here in SC charged me $66.00 to install. Check different dealerships, they charge different prices. The A/C problem is your control panel in the car. Mine was notorious for that. You can expect to pay about $100 - $160 for that part. Price again varies by dealer. You can fix it yourself. Just pop that plastic trim and ignition key cover off and unscrew the control panel. You may need a Allen screwhead driver. The wires and vacuum lines are easy to disconnect and connect. They may take a little effort. The notorious manifold gasket leak on the right side above transmission is a design flaw. There is a new graphite gasket GM is using for all the 60 degree V6 engines that leak. I had mine replaced at 77,000. It started this year again, but mine was replaced before the new type gasket came out. I use bars stop leak. Works well and no leaks. No effect on cooling system and I travel in South Carolina summers and commute to work that averages 500 miles a week not including regular town travel. The lunge thing I can't figure. Maybe a transmission issue. Aluminum valvebody will wear from check ball movement and fluid doesn't properly pressurize to move gears. Had mine replaced and fixed at 173,000 miles. Keep eye on trans. That valvebody is a $700.00 job. That was quoted from a GM dealer and a independent shop I trust. The independent did the work. Not a chain shop either. That water pump is about $20.00 at the part store and will last just the same as stock. Had mine replaced at around 90,000 miles. Easy fix for a side mechanic. Hopes this helps. Peace and longevity to your Malibu. I'm enjoying mine.

#18 of 136 Help for more than irritating by imidazol97

Jul 18, 2006 (5:14 am)

Replying to: malibuinsc (Jul 18, 2006 4:45 am)
The water pump leaking as a failure is normal for cars. Some may go 200K and some 60K miles before it happens. It's a wear item. A factor is whether the coolant was changed every two years or 36K miles, in my opinion. And that includes any with Dexcool. Coolant lubricates the waterpump.
 
The rear bushings are typical of rubber parts that sometimes don't selflubricate the way it was planned. Sometimes a special type of spray may lube them at the squeak point; sometimes they just need to be replaced.
 
I have seen the AC control problems mentioned. The idea of an air filter in the AC unit is a question I'm not sure why it was asked. A filter clogs up and needs to be replaced. It can serve as a haven for mold if not replaced. But I don't think your car had one to begin with.
 
The transmission like symptom I can only recommend a good shop who is used to GM cars to check it. It might be transmission but the first thing is usually engine. The motor having problems can confuse the controls for a transmission. Have the plugs and wires been replaced on the motor? The plugs were probably rated at 100K then and I replace mine at about 60-70K miles. The plug wires break down and don't work causing misfires. Those are regular maintenance items that some people skip thinking there's no problem. But having them working poorly sometimes causes other ignition parts to fail that create the spark. So regular upkeep is necessary on all cars.
 
The soft brake pedal is a safety item. Do not drive it that way. You are endangering others and yourself. That could be from a vacuum hose off on the motor and that would make the motor run poorly and cause the check engine light to come on.
 
Has the car had the oil changed and the ball joints greased. That's another item people skip that ends up costing in the end. That might be the source of noise in the rear end if ball joints are dry or worn.

#19 of 136 more than irritating again by landrarodg

Jul 18, 2006 (11:03 am)

Replying to: imidazol97 (Jul 18, 2006 5:14 am)
All routine maintenance SINCE we have owned it has been accomplished. I wouldn't complain otherwises. And the air filter ? was posed because when the A/C pulls air from the outside (there are two options re-circulating and the vent which pulls air from outside) the system does not want to stay on re-circulating air it will switch back ten times in two minutes....I have to keep pressing the re-circulating button over and over and over everywhere I go. We want it set this way BECAUSE the air coming in the car when it is set on outside vent smells like exhaust as if our windows are rolled down. That is why I asked about the filter. We live in FL as I mentioned before and our A/C is a high priority to go anywhere and on top of that we live in a very, very large city and there is always traffic. I don't want to smell exhaust all the hours I am driving!! We have been very ambitious in doing what is required to keep our vehicle running at it's best. I HAVE NOT driven it AT ALL since the brakes went soft. The moment that happened I turned right back into my apartment complex and it is being towed to get fixed. I AM MORE worried about the safety of MY TWO children than anyone else and for you to assume I would put ANYONE's life in danger is offensive. Not only do I not want to be a danger to others on the road but the car my family will be traveling in whether it is mine or someone else's will be one that is dependable and safe. I did not join this forum to berate or belittle anyone. I was looking for others who have had similar issues and could give a little insight into our problems with our Malibu. I also wanted to mention we bought this car second hand and we have no control over what happened to it before we bought it. THANK YOU!

#20 of 136 Re: more than irritating again [landrarodg] by imidazol97

Jul 18, 2006 (11:43 am)

Replying to: landrarodg (Jul 18, 2006 11:03 am)
Thank you for being safe about the brakes. It is possible to drive a car slowly using the emergency brake gently for stopping to get to a service locationl.
 
The recirculate uses some inside air and draws in some outside air with it. So recirculate doesn't completely eliminate the outside air with other car's fumes.
 
There might be a seal around the hood between it and the air intake for the heater/AC below the windshield an the seal is out of place or torn. That could let air from your own engine compartment into the air inlet. That could have an oily or motor smell in it. You might be smelling some of your own motor.

Messages Page 2 of 14

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