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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 10 of 31

#90 of 306 2005 Malibu Maxx- a real clunker by plw2344

Dec 07, 2006 (4:49 pm)

I purchased a low mileage Malibu Maxx in March of this year from Carmax. The steering gear has been replaced 4 times to date due to a "clunking" sound and feel in the steering when turning in to and out of left and right turns. After each replacement, the "clunking" goes away for about a month's worth of driving then gradually returns. That makes a total of 5 steering gears in about 26,000 miles. The best Chevy's Customer Relations could do is promise me a "component letter" that will guarantee the part for 6 years or 100,000 miles. While this is appreciated, I would rather the Chevy engineers fix the problem. Chevy's Malibu folks have one chance to make a first impression... and so far, it's not a good one. Do I hold the record for steering gear replacement?

#91 of 306 Re: 2005 Malibu Maxx- a real clunker [plw2344] by pao

Dec 09, 2006 (11:04 am)

Replying to: plw2344 (Dec 07, 2006 4:49 pm)
the steering column issue and the clunk in the suspension have been around on the Maxx since its release in 04..many of us have had the problem...some to a greater degree than others...the clunking sound is usually associated with the suspension vice the steering column...
 
its a matter of how tolerant you are with the clunk I would guess...I have a small clunk in the suspension....as well as my steering column..but I hardly notice it.....3 years. 84K later..and still the original parts from the day I took delivery.....if 5 steering gears dont solve the problem..dont think any will to be honest.......take the 6/100 warranty on the part...
 
there has been a engineering fix to the clunk in the suspension.....to some degree.....but nothing new in the steering column.....the steering gear in relationship to the suspension..may be the issue...and I dont beleive they have fixed that issue yet

#92 of 306 Now I Understand by oldntired1950

Dec 14, 2006 (4:15 pm)

My 04 Maxx - the first delivered by my dealership way back when, will come off the 3/36 Warranty next month so I did the rational thing - made my list and visited my dealer's service department.
Of course one of my complaints was the rattle - they told me that the control arm required replacement and that a brake job was due. They did both, and like everyone else, the rattle is all but gone - only rattles at low speed on rough concrete pavement - it's livable.
Also, the seat tracks on the driver's power seat were shot requiring a completely new seat frame - they had to send it out to an auto upholsterer for repair. It took them the better part of 2 days to get everything done - during which they were kind enough to rent me a replacement ride from the local Enterprise. To me that's going the extra mile for the customer as I have to take my wife for dialysis every other day.
The only thing that really frosted me about this whole experience is what they charged for a brake job - with tax it was $748.00. I don't mind paying a fair price, and the brakes are now perfect again, but $375 per axle seems very high to me. Any thoughts???
I was seriously thinking of dumping my Maxx, but now it's like a new car - maybe I'll keep it a while - besides, who would buy an '04 Maxx?
Oh.... about understanding - I understand why General Motors is slowly going out of business - how can you build a car with so many inherent problems, pay for all the repairs for at least 3 years per car, sell them at huge discounts because nobody will pay list for them, and think you can stay in business???? I just read yesterday that Klutz... I'm sorry, that's Lutz says that GM will depend on their spectacular new designs to sell their cars. Have you read the final entry for the Pontiac Solstice on Edmunds.com? They've never been happier to get rid of a long term test car than the Solstice - a real disappointment! New designs mean nothing if the execution is garbage. My next ride will probably be a Honda - not just design, but engineering.

#93 of 306 Re: Steering Clunk/Pop question? [mybooo] by tgimaxx

Dec 14, 2006 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: mybooo (Dec 24, 2005 8:16 pm)
I have an 04 Maxx LT with 32K miles. I noticed the same clunking when turning the wheels to the left, seemed to come from the left front end of the car. They are replacing the steering box??? We'll see if that works.

#94 of 306 Re: Now I Understand [oldntired1950] by tgimaxx

Dec 14, 2006 (6:11 pm)

Replying to: oldntired1950 (Dec 14, 2006 4:15 pm)
I had my brakes replaced under warranty, not without a significant battle, and now 12K miles later they've warn 40%. It seems that the 04 Maxx goes through brakes about every 20K miles. I drove Fords for years and never replaced brakes earlier than 45K so it's not my driving patterns. I love the car but am seriously considering trading it in the next couple of years.

#95 of 306 Re: Now I Understand [tgimaxx] by pao

Dec 15, 2006 (8:31 am)

Replying to: tgimaxx (Dec 14, 2006 6:11 pm)
brakes depend on driving styles, traffic etc........on my 04 Maxx LT....I replaced the OEM pads at 64K...and had all the rotors turned...price was $400 for the entire job.....as was mentioned...$375 seems high per axle...I shopped around..and ended up with an independent local mechanic.....all the chain brake shops..wanted at least $300 an axle.....now have 82k on them...and are still over 70% left....
 
this is in northern va..with stop and go traffic.......

#96 of 306 brand new front end noise by mfh1

Jan 11, 2007 (3:04 pm)

TSB replacement of steering gear did nothing to fix the problem, Travel over washboard road and all #$%% breaks loose. New noise - when steering at slow speeds, hear and feel a deep thud as wheels go one way then correct to the other direction. It's subtle, and I waiting for my dealer to say "everything seems OK to me." Three year smart buy comes up next October - kids love the rear DVD but I can't wait to get rid of this car. Oh why don't they offer rear DVD in the new Impala, which is really nice.... Don't want an SUV, just a six passenger car with a decent trunk like my father had in 1968!

#97 of 306 Re: brand new front end noise [mfh1] by maxx4me

Jan 11, 2007 (5:04 pm)

Replying to: mfh1 (Jan 11, 2007 3:04 pm)
You described the symptoms perfectly. I have the exact same thing. I get a "deep thumping" noise as I turn the wheel when accelerating from a low speed. I've said it 5 times, I'll say it 6: I think GM is going to be puting a lot of money into this car. Thanks GMPP. By the way, my driver's seat installation went well. Hopefully someone as thin as I, won't be able to put so many repeat squeeks into a seat over the next 3 years.

#98 of 306 Re: brand new front end noise [maxx4me] by pao

Jan 15, 2007 (1:39 pm)

Replying to: maxx4me (Jan 11, 2007 5:04 pm)
Hey J....still going strong here....86K my the Maxx now...and not a problem....I too have a thump at slow speeds first thing in the morning....but it does go away after a 1.4 mile or so.........about to put new plugs and wires into it soon....
 
Im holding out for the 08 Malibu...or if my $$ are in order....the new design Cadillac CTS......

#99 of 306 Electric steering intermittant failure??? by csandste

Feb 19, 2007 (8:37 pm)

Lost my power steering while pulling out of the parking lot today. DIC said "power steering" or some such. Turned the key off, restarted the engine and no problems.
 
I'm out of warranty so if this fails, I'm paying. Doesn't seem to be rack related, just no electrical steering. Assuming it's the electric motor (not sure how that works), how much will that cost me?

Messages Page 10 of 31

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