I purchased new tires today and the technicians noticed there was excessive play in the steering link via the rack and pinion. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the welds (which are both factory and most likely robotic) holding the nut through the rack and pinion have failed. These welds are not a consumable or an otherwise replaceable part of the car and unacceptable for them to fail. Currently if the nut that was originally welded in place comes off I will completely lose steering on the drivers side. At even slow speeds this could be fatal to the driver and occupants. The car has been owned by one family for the life of the vehicle and immaculately maintained. For chevrolet to design and manufacture such a critical piece in this fashion is appalling. I am trying to get in touch with chevrolet recalls department and safety but no one will return my calls. The one person that answered at a dealership said they would absolutely fix it if as a failed weld signals a fabrication defect. I gave them my number so they could call to schedule an appointment but no one has called!
1998 Chevrolet Malibu: loss of power steering
13 of the 975 complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 82,000
- recalls
- 1
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
While driving vehicle, steering became very difficult, mechanic determined that rack and pinion needed to be replaced. This is the second incident. I have had it replaced once before. I called the dealership and was told that my vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. D.f.
I have had several problems with this car: I have replaced tires twice, tried to have the front end aligned because of the steering problem , it is like I have no power steering - when I took it to get the front end aligned, they told me that they couldn't do it because of the rack & pinion needed replaced first. I have called gm and was told that it was not their problem. The dealership told me that there is a recall on this and for me to contact you. I have already had to put a motor and brakes(several times) on this car. Please help me. Sincerely, [xxx]. *ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Power steering failed, and the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Driver lost control and hit a rock. Upon impact, none of the vehicles airbags deployed.
While driving 75 MPH, consumer heard a noise coming from under the hood. Then, vehicle lost power steering.
Power steering failure. Took it to the dealership they said I need a new rack and some hoses. Estimated price is $1,300. I called gm service and they said my VIN was not included in the recall issued in the past few months concerning steering failure in chevy malibu. What's up with that.
When turning right power steering failed intermittently.
While driving or turning, the vehicle lost power steering and it became difficult to steer.
Rack and pinion steering gear failed at 65,000 miles, causing a loss of power steering and a near accident. This is the second time this has happened (last time was at 40,000). This vehicle has also had front brakes and rotors 6 times and has experienced all other malibu problems such as air conditioner control failure, tail light melting, etc.
Intermittently steering became hard to steer. Dealer notified, and was unable to locate cause. Feel free to provide any further information.
While traveling engine would stall, and was left with no power steering or power brakes. *ak the engine stall suddenly on highway.
Steering gear box has failed while driving, causing a loss of steering capablity due to faulty parts. Consumer has had steering gear replaced a total of 3 times.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
- Risk
- If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.
Recall number 03V527000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
13 of 975 owner complaints about the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2004.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
Premature wear 53ABS 50Wipers 40Grinding brakes 35Coil spring 28Stalling 28Headlights 26Overheating 24Brake failure 23Ball joint 21Won't start 18Tire blowout 14Fuel pump 12Check engine light 11Adaptive cruise 10No deployment 10Engine failure 10Seat belt 10Shudder 9Loss of power 8Knocking 7Harsh shifting 7Jerking 7Pulling 7Fire or smoke 6Airbag light 5Slipping 5Steering noise 5Water leak 5
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