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Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Steering/Suspension Questions

306 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2008 at 11:39 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, Steering, Suspension, Hatchback

Messages Page 31 of 31

#297 of 306 Re: NW7 .vs. NW9 [crosby1] by kurtamaxxxguy

Jul 31, 2006 (5:46 pm)

Replying to: crosby1 (Jul 29, 2006 11:29 pm)
I'd be interested in that as well, though I suspect it would be tricky.
   
Also not sure if the ABS on non-SS Maxxes allows for individual wheel braking (which would be needed to brake spinning wheel), rather than just pulsing all the brakes (then again, I may be shortchanging the ABS system).

#298 of 306 Re: NW7 .vs. NW9 [crosby1] by e2helper

Aug 01, 2006 (5:16 pm)

Replying to: crosby1 (Jul 29, 2006 11:29 pm)
Dealer wouldn't be authorized to do any modification like that. The entire ABS valve/controller assembly would have to be replaced. Probably about $600 part retail. Then brake lines would have to be modified because new part is bigger and lines attach in a slightly different position.

#299 of 306 Re: NW7 .vs. NW9 [e2helper] by maddmaxx

Aug 01, 2006 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: e2helper (Aug 01, 2006 5:16 pm)
Does the NW9 independently control each wheel for wheel spin?
 
Is the ABS valve/controller assembly the only change?

#300 of 306 Re: NW7 .vs. NW9 [maddmaxx] by e2helper

Aug 02, 2006 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: maddmaxx (Aug 01, 2006 7:05 pm)
Since this is not an authorized change then it is uncertain if there is anything else.
 
There is not an actual calibration in ABS and PCM for Malibu configuration so system performance would be uncertain.

#301 of 306 an odd comment from a service dealer by kurtamaxxxguy

Dec 03, 2006 (8:54 pm)

I chatted with my friendly Chevrolet dealer discussing the problems I face with the traction control system on basic Malibus/Maxxes. He said I had not read the owners manual and claimed that by simply applying the brake once after encountering a loss of traction, the ABS system would work with the traction control system to lock the spinning wheel.
 
Is he describing the NW9 system, which is (per previous posting) only on the SS Malibu models, and the one__not__ on the '04 Maxx LS I am driving?

#302 of 306 NW7 Computer controls by maddmaxx

Sep 27, 2007 (9:10 pm)

e2helper, what computer(s) control the NW7? I'm interested in revisting the posibility of upgrading to the NW9, but am concerned the wiring harness is different or the computer controls just aren't there. Anymore light you or anyone could shed on this subject?

#303 of 306 Re: NW7 Computer controls [maddmaxx] by kurtamaxxxguy

Oct 09, 2007 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: maddmaxx (Sep 27, 2007 9:10 pm)
I'd be interested in knowing if that is possible as well (though I remember reading somewhere it was not).

#304 of 306 what I learned while in Oregon... by kurtamaxxxguy

Jan 30, 2008 (9:13 am)

As E2 commented, the '04 Maxx, (save the SS version), has a traction control system that cuts power to reduce wheel spinning.
 
Moving to Portland OR gave me a chance to test this out.
 
What happened? If the Maxx gets on a hill of glare ice, and you do not have chains or studs (or see below), you will go absolutely nowhere. The traction control will either cut all power to the drive wheels (without braking anything), or (should you turn traction control off) the wheels will spin uselessly.
The SS would have fared no better since the entire road was glare ice.
 
So now my Maxx has chains (for really severe, emergency conditions), and will soon have a pair of Auto Socks (the latter are much easier to put on and far less likely to damage the Maxx), to deal with the continual rain-snow-rain-snow freeze-thaw winter conditions Portland Or. is throwing at us this year.
 
BTW, most other cars I was with couldn't get up that icy hill. The only ones that did had AWD and traction tires, or chains.

#305 of 306 Winter Driving by maxxfann

May 26, 2008 (7:23 pm)

Hi Maxx owners.
I live in Canada and am considering purchasing an 04 Maxx LS. I was just wondering if anyone has driven a Maxx in heavy snow and if so, how does it handle snowy driving conditions?

#306 of 306 Re: Winter Driving [maxxfann] by kurtamaxxxguy

Jun 17, 2008 (11:39 am)

Replying to: maxxfann (May 26, 2008 7:23 pm)
I no longer own a Maxx but to back up last entry , can add the windshield deicer did ok job helping clearing snow from windshield. However, you'll need to get snow off the cowl for proper ventilation. Rear defogger did ok at helping get ice off rear.
 
In __snow__, the Maxx with Tripletreads was acceptable if not outstanding.
On ice, the Maxx will go nowhere or skid its front, especially if you brake or accelerate.
 
Blizzak series 60 tires may help (I've not used them).

Messages Page 31 of 31

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