1998 Chevrolet Malibu: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jan 6, 2016 · Steering · 200,116 miles · CA

While backing out of my drive way to the right I heard loud clunking and then finally a pop as I turned the steering to the left. Immediately following, while driving in residential area left turns became extremely difficult to make, and I noticed the steering wheel seemed to be off center. I decided to make a 3-point turn to return home, and while backing to the left there seemed to be little actual movement before I felt as if the front end of the car raised a bit followed by another lout pop. Returning the wheels right saw little movement at first before turning as normal. Left turns the rest of the way home difficult, while right turns are made with ease. Upon inspection when getting to my garage rack and pinion mount on passenger side that appears to be welded had broken. Perhaps rusted? I live in ca, so I didn't expect rusted parts to be an issue.I have researched other malibus that have experienced incredibly similar behavior, and there is even a recall regarding the rack and pinion in my my malibu, however mine is not included due to VIN. I find this to be absolutely appalling that gm can receive so many complaints for this issue, and request for a fix, and so boldly tell these customers that they will not service their vehicles when this is clearly a manufacturer defect.

Filed Sep 10, 2008 · Steering · 140,000 miles · IA

While attempting a left turn the wheel became difficult to turn as if the power steering had gone out. Clunking noise was heard and wheel suddenly surged to the right. Wheel has become increasingly difficult to turn left accompanied by strain on the power steering. Problem has not been fixed.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Steering · 99,875 miles · PA

While driving at low speeds, the consumer heard a clunking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle while turning. The consumer had difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle while turning left. The consumer took the vehicle to firestone and was informed that the lower pinion bearing needed to be replaced and possibly the gear assembly. *jb the vehicle's steering rack and pionion was recalled but the consumer's vehicle was not included due to VIN.

Filed Feb 13, 2003 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · NE

I have a 1998 chevy malibu with 60,000 miles. The problem started at about 50,000 miles. Both front lower control arms started to rattle over cracks and bumps around july 2001. It has steadily become worse and is to the point I can hear a loud clunk even over expansion joints or when it shifts gears during acceleration. I have heard from several other owners who have experienced the same problem, some with fewer miles. In all cases chevrolet refuses to take any responsibility and says we have to replace with newly designed control arms at our own cost. I am going to replace them for fear that the bolts are going to break from the excessive movement allowed by the inferior bushings used in the original part, but I think gm's decision to not recall this obvious safety hazard should be questioned. They have admitted there was a design flaw by producing a redisigned part, why should they not recall it?

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Suspension · FL

Any small bump or acceleration at about 55mph produces loud clunking noises from front.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · MN

Vehicle experienced several transmission related problems, consumer stated while pushing accelerator from a complete stop, engine would rev up but vehicle would not move, after a couple of seconds, the transmission would engage, this would also happen while driving, transmission experienced slipping, dealer rebuilt transmission, also, left front axle boot was torn, dealer replaced the left inner tripod joint boot. Gas cap tether broke, dealer replaced gas cap. Vehicle would vibrate while braking, dealer replaced warped rotors and front brakes, the right front caliper was later replaced due to a torn piston boot. Oil was leaking from the front crankshaft seal, dealer replaced seal. Steering column tilt housing bowl assembly machined improperly from factory causing tilt wobble, also caused a popping noise. Consumer heard a clunk noise from rear when going over bumps, dealer replaced both lower control arms.

Filed Jan 25, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

Front end suspension rough,clunk, feels loose, brakes/rotors prematurely wearing out, and instrument panel very hot when heater or A/C being used. Radio am already malfunctioned once. Am concerned re: brakes, front end and fire hazard of this vehicle.