Chevy Malibu Clunk Noise In Steering

Question:
Hello. I have a clunking noise in the steering of my 2006 Malibu. It clunks when i turn the steering wheel and when i stop and hit bumps. When i stop or hit the gas and turn at the same time it also does it. What could the problem be. 2006 Chevy Malibu.

Answer:
This sounds like a very common problem in many years and models of GM vehicle. The "Intermediate steering shaft" is noisy and needs to be replaced.

Since you have under 36k miles, this item is under warranty. Just call your local dealer and tell them your problem, and they will take care of it. There is actually a service bulletin (TSB) for this. Thanks again for the tip/donation. I will send the TSB number as a reference so you can bring to the dealership if you would like.

Chevy Malibu

Answer:
Steering Problem with my 2009 Chevy Malibu. I have a clunking noise in the front end and the steering. It happens when i am turning slowly like in a parking lot. Going forward gear or backwards does not change the sound. When i am driving and going around a corner or just pulling into my driveway i hear the noise also. Start the car and turn the wheel back and forth makes the clunk very loud. I have read a lot about an intermediate steering shaft on older models Malibu like 2004, 2006 and other cars GM makes. Could this be the same problem i have with my 2009 and a recall?.

Answer:
Yes, this is very common problem in the power steering of many Malibu's and other cars. The intermediate steering shaft is the most common problem. There is no recalls on the problem. You would need to take your 2009 to the dealer and have them inspect to see what repair is needed. This would be under factory warranty.

Other GM models like Pontiac and Buick also have a steering clunk. The older ones have had the intermediate steering shaft redesigned several times. Many service bulletins - TSB. First repair we had to do was lube the shaft. This was on the 20000-2004 cars. Then later we had to replace them with a new part number. Next a bulletin said to lube it. Went back and forth for several years. On the 2009 there is a bulletin to check which style steering shaft is in the car to determine what repair to may. Replacement of shaft for one style, lube for another.

Question:
There is a clunk noise in the steering of my 2007 Monte carlo. It only clunks when i turn and when i stop and hit the gas. When i stop or hit the gas and turn at the same time it also does it. What could the problem be?

Answer:
This sounds like your car also had the very common problem of many years and models of GM vehicles. The Intermediate steering shaft is noisy and needs to be replaced. Since you have under 36k miles, this item is under warranty. Just call your local dealer and tell them your problem, and they will take care of it. There is actually a service bulletin (TSB) for this.

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Question:
The P0449 code was first with just the check engine lite on. No obvious run or Driveability problems. Code is for purge/vent sol circuit. Thought I'd pull gas tank later. Then code P0753 and trac. Control lite came on. With no low or 4th gears. Code is defined as 1-2 shift valve performance an open or shorted condition on the shift solenoid circuit. My question: How to verify problem is solenoid? Is solenoid replaceable with out removing trans. Where would I find procedure? Thanks. 2005 Chevy Malibu. Warning lights = check engine and TRAC control light. Computer codes: P0449 and P0753.

Answer:
First of all, for your P0449 code, it is only for the vent solenoid, not purge solenoid. You should check the wiring under the vehicle near the gas tank for any damage, there is a GM bulletin about this. Also check for power and ground at the vent solenoid connector, and if all is good, you should replace the vent solenoid.

As for the P0753 code, there have been problems with wiring to the shift solenoids, and voltage loss. I believe there is a GM bulletin about that as well. If the wiring checks ok and you suspect a shift solenoid is bad, you can replace them in the car, but you have to nearly drop the transmission to do it. The sub frame has to be lowered on the drivers side and all related parts associated with that procedure. You would also need an engine support fixture to hold the engine and trans in place while the sub frame is hanging. A scan tool would help with diagnosis if you have one. You can command the shift solenoid on and off and listen at the side cover to hear if it 'clicks'. Then you can remove the side cover to gain access to the valve body and solenoids. It's a big job for sure.

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Hi. I don't know if this is a power steering problem, but the steering wheel wobbles really bad. Does anyone have any advice or anything I need to check?
 If the steering wobbles more the faster you are driving, then this is probably a steering linkage problem, tires problem or front suspension problem. Have the tie rod ends checked. Have the tires checked for one that is wobbling and have all of the front suspension components checked.


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