What Causes Steering Stiffness in the Chevrolet Malibu?
2 Answers
The causes of steering stiffness in the Chevrolet Malibu are: 1. The steering wheel requires a break-in period; 2. Abnormal data in the reset or upgrade of the steering system; 3. Issues with wheel alignment or tires; 4. Malfunctions in steering system components such as the steering ball joint, steering linkage, or steering shaft; 5. Steering gear failure. The Chevrolet Malibu has the following dimensions: length 4933 mm, width 1854 mm, height 1472 mm, wheelbase 2829 mm, fuel tank capacity 61 liters, and curb weight 1520 kg. It is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 124 kW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm.
Having driven my Malibu for five or six years, I’ve got plenty to say about steering stiffness. Last time, the steering wheel made a grinding noise like there was sand stuck in it. After taking it apart, I found the universal joint in the steering column was dry and grinding due to lack of grease—the lubricant had even baked into black residue. This spot is usually impossible to reach without removing the lower steering wheel cover. If you hear squeaking when turning, chances are it’s this issue. Now, I use a syringe to inject some grease there every month, and the problem hasn’t returned. But if the stiffness feels extreme, you’ll need to check for internal pressure loss in the steering gear—it’s best to test the power steering fluid pressure on a lift for accuracy.
