Major problems with 03 Malibu (Full Version)

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Major problems with 03 Malibu

  

marishaw -> Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/3/2007 8:26:23 PM)

So, I recently bought a used 03 Malibu. I have already had the brakes shoes and pads replaced, the water pump replaced, the tie rods replaced, the wheel bearings replaced and tightened since replacement, and now it's making this LOUD popping sound when I make a turn. It's so loud I get people turning and looking as if i wrecked into something when it makes the popping sound. So, now I am being told that I need the ball joints and the struts replaced. I have only had the car 4 1/2 weeks. Are Malibu's just bad cars or did the dealership I bought it from just sell me a bad car? Also, I paid $6500 cash for the car thinking it was in great condition (first car) and I overlooked a few things. It doesn't have the remote, the left front door has been replaced and is a different color silver, it has a pull to the left, and a few other minor things. Was I ripped off? On top of the $6500 I have paid for the car, I have already put $2000 worth of repair work in it (NOT including the $1215.00 to replace the 2 ball joints and 2 struts). My dad says the male salesman took advantage of the fact that I was a woman.

Someone PLEASE reply and tell me what I can do. I have a 2 week old son, and 3 other kids that ride in the car daily and money doesn't grow on trees.

Thanks in advance.

  
marishaw -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/3/2007 8:28:53 PM)

in addition, it needs new tires..Dad says it has something to do with the wheel bearings or the ball joints or struts. Can't remember which one.

bestharry -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/5/2007 8:11:07 AM)

HI,
Just to let you know about my experience of about 2 years with Malibu 99'. Its a very reliable and efficient car and had no real major repairs on it ever since. These engines only had one known problem of inlet manifold gasket (which my car may need once) for which they have a new replacement/upgraded part.
As per your description, looks like that there is some ripoff factor but you might find a cheaper place to do this job.I would think of spending about 600$ in total for both struts and balljoints.
Gud luck.

MalibuMaxxSS -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/5/2007 2:15:39 PM)

my guess....since the door was replaced and painted it was in an accident, Malibus are pretty reliable cars, outside the gasket thing harry mentioned....they do have brake issues, I had a grand am did the same thing, save some time and money and price out after market rotors, the factory ones will warp again.   check they had recalls on this a few years ago, thats how I got my grand am done.

as for the popping sound when turning struts should not cause this, ball joint not really either, a bad rack would, get a second opinion on that one. ball joints will make a rattle sound when you hit potholes and stuff... struts will groan and squeek usually. 

What is the milage on the car, seems to have lots of issues, for a 03 Malibu,
Also check with the dealer did you buy it from a GM dealer??, they should help you out on some of htis if you did....we would anyhow that is a lot of **** for only 4 mths old

golfer -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/6/2007 1:48:53 PM)

It's hard to say what's causing the sound could even be a broken sway bar end link or bushings.

btw... marishaw ... did you have a mechanic check the vehicle over before you bought it ?


Well are Malibu's good reliable cars ? ... another perspective from owing a 99 since new and currently 73k miles...

Intake manifold gasket ( warranty )
steering rack ( warranty )
strut assembly ( warranty )
leaking rear wheel brake cylinders ( warranty )

sever engine knock ( dreaded piston slap )
transmission 
front hubs ( ABS sensor ) issues
leaky transaxle seals
rotors warping
multifunction switch
water pump
rust
A/C failure

These are the items within five years .

marishaw -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/13/2007 3:12:20 PM)

Spent $250 getting the ball joints replaced but it still makes the same popping sound. I originally had the car inspected at Midas who at first thought it was the wheel bearing, had that tightened up and that wasnt it. So, they said maybe the tie rods which I had replaced as well and it still made that sound. So, the said it was definitely the ball joints or the struts. So, I took it to a different mechanic and they said the struts were fine but the right ball joint was horrible and the left one was going bad as well, so they replaced them both. 20 minutes after repair the car started popping again. I took it to Midas who said the bal joints were replaced (DUH!!) and said ''it's the struts!''

I've about had it with this car.

Anyone want to trade, I'd take a reliable hoopty at this point! I've got kids, I cant be riding around in an unsafe car.

marishaw -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/13/2007 3:13:31 PM)

85,000 miles on it...

ace6121966 -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/14/2007 11:44:19 PM)

my strut/springs pop when i turn left or right

marishaw -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/15/2007 3:16:27 PM)

Struts are relatively expensive. Can anyone be absolutely positive that its the STRUTS causing this problem? Please respond as soon as possible, also how much should something like this cost? Midas is saying 600 for the 2 front struts and that is NOT including the labor.

Thanks.

golfer -> RE: Major problems with 03 Malibu (4/16/2007 8:00:07 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: marishaw

Struts are relatively expensive. Can anyone be absolutely positive that its the STRUTS causing this problem? Please respond as soon as possible, also how much should something like this cost? Midas is saying 600 for the 2 front struts and that is NOT including the labor.

Thanks.
No ... we can't be absolutely positive ... it's the internet we're not there to see and hear the problem.

$600 without labor sounds too expensive to me.

  

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