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Chevrolet Malibu Clunks and Noises

62 messages,  Last post on Jan 18, 2013 at 7:31 AM

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

Messages Page 7 of 7

#53 of 62 2005 Chevy Malibu clunking noise when turning by sarah36

Sep 23, 2011 (8:22 am)

I have owned this car since 2006 (it had about 27,000 miles on it when I bought it). It now has about 79,000 miles on it and I have this re-occuring clunking problem when turning the steering wheel. The first time it was under manufaturer warranty still and it was fixed (they replaced the steering gear). It came back about 13 months later (right outside the 12 month warranty) and again said it was the steering gear and replaced it. I have gone through 5 steering gears already and I no longer have any king of warranty and the problem is back. Has anyone had luck with actual fixes or any suggestions? Is there any safety concern with this problem? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

#54 of 62 Re: 2005 Chevy Malibu clunking noise when turning [sarah36] by bibo2

Oct 05, 2011 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: sarah36 (Sep 23, 2011 8:22 am)
I am in almost the same situation you are.. Mine is the new 08 Malibu with the same issue. they replaced the steering gear last October and the clunk was gone.. And now the problem is back! just several days over a year, and I am out of the warranty too..
Reading your post, I don't think I want to bring it in .. specially when I have to pay to fix something for only 12 months!!!

#55 of 62 Re: 2005 Chevy Malibu clunking noise when turning [bibo2] by iron1

Feb 02, 2012 (3:58 pm)

Replying to: bibo2 (Oct 05, 2011 5:27 pm)
I have also experienced the clunking noise on my 08 Malibu LTZ with 61K miles and have been noticing it for about 6 months and progressively getting worse. Dealer told me that me that the Intermediate Steering Shaft needed to be removed and replaced for for a total cost of $400 and since it's not part of the drive train, it's out of warranty. Since it won't hurt to drive it in the condition (except for the annoyance), I told them I'd think about. In the meantime, I did a little web research and learned that a little grease is all that's needed which of course the dealer didn't suggest as an option. So the next day, I went back to the dealer and asked about just getting the ISS greased. They didn't like it but did the work anyway for a cost of $60 of which $24 was for the grease. Must be really good stuff. Problem fixed. The mechanic disconnected the ISS from the u joint under the dash and then lubbed the shaft well while sliding it in and out of metal housing that goes through the firewall. All of these parts are visible from under the dash. Do this if you can or take to machanic and be specific that you want the ISS lubbed and not replaced. Cost is $60 vs. $400. Good luck. Iron1.

#56 of 62 Re: 2005 Chevy Malibu clunking noise when turning [iron1] by gonogo

Feb 06, 2012 (9:04 am)

Replying to: iron1 (Feb 02, 2012 3:58 pm)
Anyone can do it yourself for free, just look under the dash and spray it.

#57 of 62 Re: 2005 Chevy Malibu clunking noise when turning [gonogo] by montebu

Apr 10, 2012 (11:17 am)

Replying to: gonogo (Feb 06, 2012 9:04 am)
I use spray lithium grease in the gap near the bottom of the shaft. Takes about three minutes. Lasts about two to three months. Right or wrong, it works. It is such a miserable car to drive with the steering clunk!

#59 of 62 Clicking in wheel well by hawk1988

May 04, 2012 (3:22 pm)

I have an '06 Malibu. I have had it a for almost two years, now with 77000 miles, without a problem. About a week ago I had new tires mounted on the front of my car. Since the first time I drove it afterwards the front left tire (or something around there) clicks like a playing card stuck into bicycle spokes, and gets faster with increased speed, but only when I hit 30 and stops at about 50. It seems like it gets louder when turning right.
 
A friend/co-worker, with experience in mechanics helped me look at the wheel, in our work place parking lot. No lug nuts where loose, the wheel bearing seemed fine, and was unsure about the CV shaft without a real look in a shop.
 
I seen someone else had a similar problem just after getting new tires, but he did not get a response. Has anyone else had this problem or now the issue? Is it a problem with the vehicle or the work done?

#60 of 62 Steering Shafts???? by motorcity6

May 14, 2012 (1:06 pm)

I have been looking at a 2011 Malibu LTZ w/V-6, loaded w/all goodies showing 12k miles, priced 18,990 which is a good place to start dickering..However having been exposed to "intermediate steering shafts" in 4 GM cars which are a pain and really surprised to see it is still being used after probably 10 yrs of a bad design which is annoying and can be expensive to fix..I shall forget about the Malibu!!!!!! Enough is enough...
 
Let's go through the cars, 1998 Olds Intrigue-steering rack, ISS, and brake issues, GM bought the car after 26k miles, costing me only $800 to own..2nd car was a 1999 Olds Intrigue which I ran 75k miles, couple ISS problems, traded on a 2002 Olds Intrigue which I ran 120k miles, replaced the ISS once..Traded it on a 2006 Grand Prix GT showing 4k miles, ISS replaced 3 times, all free/no charge by dealer..Last shaft was done 30k miles and car is now 70k, no play, great tight steering..
 
The dealers tend to use up old stock when replacing these shafts and this item has been re-engineered many times..I got the latest shaft design, and if if needs lubing my mechanic will take care of it..Small shop 2 ex-GM certified mechanics, experts at wheel balancing is how I found them..Also replaced the main engine/tranny mounts, both collapsed.
 
Happy I found this site on Malibus, for I shall stay away from them...enough grief with petty problems..

#61 of 62 2011 malibu--buzzing when idle by chgotrooper

Jan 17, 2013 (3:17 pm)

I have a 2011 LT1--about 30K miles. When the car is moving it's quiet and smooth, but when stopped, there's this loud buzzing coming from under the dashboard. It goes away when I hit the gas. Any ideas what this could be? How to fix? Thanks!

#62 of 62 Re: 2011 malibu--buzzing when idle [chgotrooper] by gmcustsvc

Jan 18, 2013 (7:31 am)

Replying to: chgotrooper (Jan 17, 2013 3:17 pm)
chgotrooper,
You should still be within your bumper to bumper warranty, although if you want for us to check for sure we can do that. Just email the last 8 digits of your VIN and your request to us at socialmediagm.com
 
Sarah, GM Customer Service

Messages Page 7 of 7

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