1998 Chevrolet Malibu: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 24, 2008 · Suspension · 135,000 miles · MN

The coil spring snapped in half while I was in my car and popped my tire. I was traveling at extremely low speeds, otherwise it could have been terrible. I replaced it with a junk yard spring and strut since I have never heard of this type of failure. Several weeks before the failure there was a low squeak or rub coming from the front wheel well. I thought at the time that it was snow build up, but now I know better.

Filed Aug 3, 2005 · Suspension · 137,000 miles · MI

(1) front passenger shock spring broke in two places, I began to hear a slight grinding noise (2) spring broke puncturing the tire and forcing the weight of the car on the frame and tire rim (3) car was towed to a gm dealer, the spring was replaced. Tow truck driver advised that this is the fourth incident for this defect that he has seen.

Filed Jul 1, 2005 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · NH

At the beginning of this year, I bought a 1998 chevy malibu, 2.4 l, 4 cyl, sedan. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle I began having a problem with the ABS light commming on and my brakes were grinding really bad. I took the vehicle back to the dealer that I bought it from the day my warrenty was to run out. They supposidly reset the ABS system because it did throw them a code. The following day the same problem occured. I have had nothing but problems with the ABS since I purchased the vehicle. I've also been having a problem with the air compressor. It makes an awful noise. The dealer I purchased the vehicle from also supposidly replaced the compressor with a used one. The compressor is still making the same noise as if they never replaced it. But these repairs were done on my last day of my warrenty so the dealer will not have anything to do with the problems anymore. I love my vehicle, it is perfect for the size family that I have and it is a very beautiful vehicle but the issues I am having with it are almost not worth dealing with. Something needs to be done.

Filed May 13, 2005 · Suspension · 79,303 miles · PA

Dt consumer stated her son was driving the vehicle when he heard a grinding noise coming from the right front of the vehicle. There was a loud bang. When the vehicle was inspected it was found that the coil spring snapped, the front right strut broke and caused the coil spring to slit the tire which lead to a blow out of the tire.

Filed Jun 7, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · DE

When driving 10 MPH consumer turned the steering wheel towards the left and steering wheel made a grinding noise. Also, brakes were difficult to depress. Consumer was able to control the vehicle, and towed it to dealership for inspection.

Filed Mar 2, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 45,000 miles · CA

Consumer complained about an ignition problem. Consumer had to hold the key in ignition switch, turn and hold for a period of time before the engine turned over. Secondly, seat belt on the front driver side did not retract. Had to put the seat belt on manually. Also, brakes squeak when applied.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 88,000 miles · GA

When my car was bought from gold key auto it had 88,000 miles. The day after purchase the car would not crank, had to purchase a battery that would hold enough power to start car. The brake problem has been continous since car has been purchased they wear out and squeal once a yr. Or less, 1 yr. After puchase of car it has had a total caliber change right and left, this was a 235.00 charge from wheels unlimited in waycross cause of repair brakes locked up on car. Alternator has been changed 3 times 1st yr., one failing after another. This past dec., 1 right side caliber change and another brake change.car started making a rattle noise were timing chain is so we proceeded with changing the timing chain, replaced in dec. 2002.at the same time water pump was replaced. The rattled was still there, now my car is parked waiting to find out whats wrong now. Possible fly-wheel or timing gear.

Filed Sep 22, 2003 · Body, Brakes · 58,000 miles · PA

While driving, the vehicle lost its rack and pinion steering and all power of the steering wheel. Dealer notified. *ak the power window control panel on the driver side arm rest popped out, the vehicle pulled severely to the right (dealer couldn't find the problem). The dealer finally replaced the lower control arms, brake rotors, 2 sets of tires/almost completely bald at the time only 13k miles. The rims had to be forced off, the front rotors had become rusted at 20k miles, the ignition wire harness had come apart, the power steering hoses had come loose, lost fluid and power steering while in motion, the trunk leaked, the ABS light had come on twice a week, the front end squeaked and rattled, the antenna wire was loose, the right head lamp had permanent moisture with no crack, the A/C would shut on/off intermittently, the alternator failed at 60k miles and the waning light had come on for only five minutes, the engine leaked oil, and the right windshield wiper pivot housing had broken. *scc

Filed Jun 10, 2003 · Airbags, Brakes · 90,000 miles · MD

When applying brakes front end pulsates which produces a grinding noise. Dealer notified. *ak the vehicle experienced vibration in the front end when braking. The vehicle has numerous brake rotor repairs. The calipers locked up and the piston seals leaked. The brake light was inoperative because the circuit lost it's contact. The horn was inoperative. The dealer replaced the air bag and repaired the horn power wire from the horn pad to the horn contact ring. *scc

Filed Mar 16, 2003 · Steering · IN

Once the vehicle is at "normal operating temperature" the power steering becomes hard and will squeal. I have replaces the power steering fluid, in entirety, and the problem still persists. I plan on going to a dealership asap, but reading all of the articles on this vehicle, it appears they will tell me the same. It is a rack-and-pinion problem that I will have to incur an out of pocket expense.

Filed Jun 18, 2002 · Brakes · VA

Dear ms. Radley and chevy, I am quite sure that you are aware of the numerous consumer complaints and problems associated with the brake system of the 1998 chevrolet malibu, but just in case I will expounded on the issue. My wife purchased the vehicle from your dealership on 22 aug 98. Shortly thereafter we noted several significant problems with the brakes grinding and squeaking. The following are dates that the vehicle was brought in for brakes problems: 02/04/99 - 8k milesms. Radley, that makes a grand total of ten times the car has had noted brake problems with no resolution to the problem. There is a definite manufacturing problem with these brakes that I expect fixed. I had expressed concern over this issue when the brakes and rotors had to be replaced at 20k miles, apparently no one cared then as now. I have spoken with chevrolet consumer complaint division, jeff merritt and ike chris about this problem at length and I must say the total lack of responsibility grows more evident. I have been told everything from driving habits to lack of service. This patronization is infuriating. The bottom line is chevrolet knows full well that they placed a braking system designed for a chevy cavalier on the malibu. Do not try and tell me that it is normal for rotors to warp and go bad every 20k miles; I do not accept that answer. When I called several garages and ask what vehicle requires the most brakes service and replacement rotors  the answer was malibu and alero. I called seven different shops in the area and two other chevy dealerships and received the same answer at each place. You may want to note the following complaints files at the federal safety agency, office of defects investigation, consumer complaints database. As of when I researched the database I discovered 865 consumer complaints 365 of which are brake related.

Filed May 15, 2002 · Suspension · TN

Front and rear suspension make loud squeaky noises. The noise is consistant while driving over rough and bumpy roads. Dealer confirms that suspension is bad. Dealer was notified. *ak