2003 Chevrolet Malibu: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 29, 2017 · Driver assistance, Engine · 132 miles · AZ

Took car to walmart one night and begins to overheat after napa told me it had no leaks. Car overheats I pull aside and turn it off for a bit I noticed the car would crank but hesitate to start. Once got it to start it would accelerate but at low rpms. Check engine light went on and I noticed car shaking and weird noise coming from the engine. Once started car squeaked and mad terrible noise. Car did not turn back on and did not make it home. Cranks and rare when starts, charged battery but drains, doesn't maintain charge. White smoke coming out of exhaust and when car would stall it would turn off, now theft system light is on. Now car wont even crank or turn on. Once I got it to turn on with trouble it would turn off once put into reverse or drive. Turned off while driving it one night and brakes did not work. Almost crashed into home, my car was in motion and would turn off amd steering wheel got hard and brakes didn't work, scared to drive the vehicle engine makes wierd bogging sound amd squeaking sound, smell of gas. Exhaust has white smoke coming out of it. Has trouble idling at times and low rpms.

Filed Jun 2, 2008 · Brakes, Wheels · PA

I had to replace the brakes on this car at 6,000 miles. Since then, I have had to replace them on a yearly occurrence, as well as rotors and wheel bearings. The breaks always sound like they are grinding and vibrating. I have had issues with the ABS light coming on. It has been 7 months since I had the rotors replaced, and I need new breaks again.

Filed Jul 7, 2006 · Brakes · VA

I bought my malibu new in september 2003. In january 2005, I began to notice the car shuddering while braking, I took the car in and they machined both rotors, I took it in again on february 8th because the brakes were making a chatter and clank sound, they told me the calipers needed to be lubricated, I brought it back on february 18 for the lubrication. Next I took the car in for a oil change on march 29th and asked the technician to check the brakes and was told they were fine. On july 1st 05 I took the car in again because of a brake squeal and found the retaining bolt /pin on the left front caliper was missing. It was replaced as well as the bolt/pin on the upper bolt/pin due to the integrity of the original bolt/pin. On september 30th 05 I took the car in again for brake noise, and was told that both rotors were rusted, both rotors were turned and cleaned at that time. On october 12th 05 which was only 8 days later I took the car back again because the car was still making a grinding noise. When inspected the front rotors were again found to be rusty, pitted and worn, this time they replaced both the rotors and the brake pads. I took the car in on november 23rd 05 for recommended 15 max service which included a rear brake adjustment, I asked them to check the front brakes again, because they were still squeaking and they said they were fine. May 25th,06 I took the car in again for brake noise, they first told me the calipers again needed to be lubricated , but then came back and said they needed to be replaced. Now it is july of 06 and I am still having problems with the brakes. Also on july 5th, 06 I had to take the car in because the A/C and the recirculation mode stopped working, they replaced a bad HVAC control module.

Filed Oct 12, 2004 · Brakes · KY

When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. A loud squeaking noise was heard when the brakes were applied. The consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the brake pads and rotors needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Apr 21, 2004 · Brakes · GA

Consumer had to change brakes 3 times. While driving consumer heard a grinding noise in the front of vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer the first time, and they replaced the brakes. Then, brakes malfunctioned again, and consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer. This time they turned the rotors, and put on new brakes. The same type of noise was heard again. This time, when she took the vehicle to dealer for checking and repair, they replaced the master cylinder/calipers/ rotors, and put on another set of brakes on the vehicle. After consumer picked up the vehicle from dealer brakes still were not working properly. Consumer took the vehicle back to dealer, but was told by dealer it was just a matter of tightening up some screws.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Brakes · GA

While depressing the brake pedal consumer heard a grinding noise which caused the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer to be inspected, and mechanic determined that front rotors wore out. Consumer stated that the rotors had been replaced three times within one year.

Filed Mar 10, 2004 · Brakes · 1,000 miles · VT

When the brakes were applied there was a grinding noise and metal scraping against metal sound. Took vehicle to mechanic, and mechanic indicated that they were using genuine parts from dealer, and the parts only lasted 12000 miles, and in some cases 6000 miles.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Brakes · GA

When depressing the brake pedal consumer heard a grinding noise which caused extended stopping distance. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected. The mechanic informed the consumer that the front rotors wore out.

Filed Nov 5, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 1,368 miles · AL

Brakes started to make a rubbing noise which progressed to a squeaking noise. Also, brake pedal would go down to the floor to stop the vehicle. Dealer has replaced brake pads/front rotors/ brake booster/calipers, and brake lines, but the problem still exists. *ak the front driver window failed to roll up, the engine light illuminated, the A/C control was inoperative and cooling properly, the vehicle pulled to the right while driving down the road, the vehicle overheated. *jb