Hello,

Anyone have troubles with their steering column with their 2004 Malibu?
Specifically when turning the wheel back to the forward position, I hear a
light clunking sound. I have had my steering column replace twice and the
steering rack (?) replace once.

Now the clunking sound is back. Anyone know if having it looked at and fixed
will be covered by warranty? I am into my extended warranty period and have
about 8 months left on my lease. Is it important that I get this looked at
by the GM technician a 3rd time, or should I just wait it out?

Thanks.

--
Chris

On May 15, 3:45 pm, Chris <c... (AT) thisisnotanemailaddress (DOT) ca> wrote:
I had the same problem on my 2005 Malibu. I brought it back to the
dealer and they replaced the steering rack. It was covered under the
warranty and my problem was solved. I was told by the dealer that
this is a common issue.

However, I did some research on the internet and asked some questions
and I have been told that a little grease where the steering column
meets the steering rack is all that is needed to remedy the problem.
So it seems that this is really a minor issue. Also, the job can be
done by anyone that is handy with cars. So basically, the dealer
wants to make the job into something bigger than it is as they just go
back and charge GM for the work.

On May 15, 2:45 pm, Chris <c... (AT) thisisnotanemailaddress (DOT) ca> wrote:
It's a design defect of these cars. The steering shaft and the
steering rack come together at an odd angle. That causes the
rubbing. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I have an '05 Malibu
LS.

Justin

Chris <chris (AT) thisisnotanemailaddress (DOT) ca> wrote in
news:H5o2i.11324$V75.4096@edtnps89:

inttermediate steering shaft binding...remove pinch bolt at rack to
steering shaft connection....reach in and remove shaft from rack by
pushing towards steering wheel...pump it up and down several times (you
will feel the resistance of the grease inside as you redistribute
it......put everything back as you found it and your done for many a
thousand of mile.....it will return someday............repeat as
neccessary
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Kjun wrote:

Is this something that would be covered by GM's extended warranty or by the
warranty that came with the replacement steering column or rack (assuming
they came with a warranty)?

Thanks.

--
Chris

On May 20, 10:28 am, Chris <c... (AT) thisisnotanemailaddress (DOT) ca> wrote:
The regular GM warranty covered the repair, so there was no charge to
me. It is an annoying problem, but it is certainly not a safety
issue. However, if your car is still under warranty, then you should
go back to your local dealer to have them correct it.

Should the problem occur again on my car, I will look to grease the
steering shaft to rack connection myself.

Curious to know if this is a problem with the older Malibus as well,
1997-2000? My 1998 clunks if I am turning to drive out the driveway or
turning very slowly. Almost sounds like the noise a spring makes as it is
winding up. I don't notice the noise at higher speeds. I've been told the
problem is the strut mounts (not by mechanic, just suggestions from other
Chev owners), but I've never actually done anything other than spray oil
into the mounts to remedy the noise.

Thanks
Sharky

Sharky wrote:

According to the GM tech that last looked at my malibu, this is a known
problem. What you describe is exactly what I experience. In the end, the GM
tech she just applied some grease. Apparently, they are waiting to hear
from GM on what should be done to correct the problem.

My guess is nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if they make applying the
grease a part of the [Semi-]Annual inspection.

--
Chris