1997 Chevrolet Malibu: grinding or squealing brakes

19 of the 443 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints: 19
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 19 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

2023
1
2022
2
2021
2
2020
3
2019
3
2018
1
2017
3
2016
13
2014
1
2013
2
2012
5
2011
5
2010
5
2009
8
2008
9
2007
6
2006
8
2005
9
2004
11
2003
9
2002
6
2001
9
2000
29
1999
30
1998
35
1997
19

What owners say

Filed Apr 3, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 187,000 miles · KS

I was driving my car on the byway and took the interstate merge lane while increasing my speed to merge into traffic I felt a snap in my steering wheel and gas pedal, I then lost the dash and the car immediately overheated, I had no real power to turn the wheel and the gas pedal was a loose push. Being that I had merged onto the interstate when this occurred I had to drive an additional 5 miles to the next exit. Not everyone has a cell phone. When I got to the next exit I was almost unable to turn the wheel enough to get it into the nearest parking lot, it was harder to turn than my first truck a 1959 ford twin I beam pickup. I fortunately didn't hit any one or anything. Upon raising my hood after parking the car I am appalled to see that the tensioner pulley and one of the idler pulleys are gone and my serpentine belt is shredded. I have replaced the parts but since then I also found that within 5 miles the "dreaded" gaskets that so many people have complained about, and mine we already eating fluids in sipps before this, were gone. I have replaced the broken pulleys serpentine belt alternator waterpump and gaskets not a month later the other idler pulley that was unaffected in the first incident went. When the first two were replaced that dreaded squeaking stopped for about 3 days and started back up again. Something must not be straight for me to have to keep replacing the moving parts that run on the serpentine belt and everytime one of them goes you loose your power steering and the car is hard to turn. Not only that but the tail lights would be a better place for a gold fish than a light bulb. Everytime it rains, or snows I have to replace tail lights. This car is the bane of my existence. I have the first idler pulley part still the rest of them were lost to the highway the thing is melted.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Brakes · MI

Grinding sound while turning to the left-has been there since I bought the car-the dealer would not fix it when I took it back a week later- I feel there is a problem with it and it should have been taken care of within the time that I first bought the car without a charge!

Filed Oct 11, 2002 · Brakes · CA

When I purchased the car it was one year old and had 27,000 miles on it. The ABS light and squeaking brakes were a problem from day one. I have replaced the brakes on this vehicle 2 times a year since I bought it. In october, 2000 the brake pedal would go all the way to the floor. The dealer who sold me the car said the system had been contaminated. I do not do my own repairs and the shops deny they contaminated the brake sys. Is it possible that there is a leak into the ABS system from another part of the engine? After my entire brake system was replaced in 2000 I did not have the ABS failure until midas did an oil change in jan 2001. Mr

Filed Mar 13, 2002 · Engine, Suspension · NJ

Consumer stated there was a bad squeak noise coming from the rear of vehicle, the dealer replaced the rear stabilizer insulator bushings.

Filed Mar 16, 2001 · Brakes · CA

While driving would step on the brakes and it will makes noise like grinding metal to metal. Brakes had to be replaced nine times.

Filed Feb 27, 2001 · Brakes · NC

When applying brakes a loud grinding noise occurs, cause unknown. Dealer can not identify problem. Please give any further details.

Filed Dec 21, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Vehicle made a grinding or groaning noise while stopping from various speeds. Had brakes replaced three times.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

Loud squeaking noise coming from the idle pulley. Had that part replaced with new part. By the time I got home noise was back. Brought car back to mechanic this morning. He is checking to see if new part was defected or if belt needs replacement. I am very disappointed with the malibu's performance. In the 3 years that I have the car, I have replaced front and back brakes, alternator, battery, etc. Etc. And now the idle pulley (hopefully nothing else major).

Filed Apr 23, 2000 · Suspension · WI

Front end squeak and thump. Dealer reports no repair/remedy at this time.

Filed Mar 28, 2000 · Body, Steering · NC

I went to the dealershop for complaints of squeaking in "tires" and t2222he undercarriage felt lose over small bumps. I got the steering gear assembly replaced for $1,200 and declined the other repairs at this time. With the car only being 3 years old, I shouldn't have any major repairs! I have already contacted customer service. With the new steering assembly, the undercarriage still feels loose. I can feel it under my feet. To add to the problem, the 1 and 2 blowers don't work! They worked fine when I first took the car in! When it came out of the shop, they didn't work. I will continue to get these problems solved.2

Filed Mar 16, 2000 · Brakes · MD

While driving on road and whenever applying brakes, vehicle shakes and grinds. Contacted dealer, and they have replaced rotors twice and pads four times.

Filed Mar 29, 1999 · Brakes · TX

Whenever brakes are applied, while driving at 40mph, they make squealing noises. They would also lurch & jerk. Have been to dealer, and dealer replaced rotors. The noise in the brakes still exists.