12 problems related to brake disc have been reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Front end shimmy at 50-60 mph when brakes applied;rotors&pads replaced.
I have had three new front control arms put on. Now the rear suspension is bad. The brakes wear out fast because the rotors are junk, they need to be replaced every 15k to 20k miles. The car has 47k miles on it and I have owned it for 20k of those miles and have had the rotors replaced once and they need it again now. The brakes need replaced often as a result of the rotors wearing down so quickly. I don't know why this is but I urge chevy/gm to offer a solution shortly or they will lose a lot of loyal customers. I have spoken to a number of Malibu owners with similar problems.
Brake system: I complained to the dealer on 7/13/98 that there was a rubbing/squeaking sound when depressing and releasing brake pedal. The dealer was unable to confirm sound. I reported the problem again on 9/16/98. The dealer stated that the rotors were grooved. The dealer resurfaced the rotors and applied stop squeal to the pads. Less than two months from this service, the problem has recurred. Returning to dealer for service on 11/11/98. Suspension: I complained to the dealer about clunking sound when hitting bumps or gaps in road surface and of low pitch whirring noise in front wheel area (audible at speeds of 20-25 mph). First reported problem of clunking sound to dealer on 7/13/98. Dealer attributed noise to loose gear assembly and replacedit. This problem recurred and was again reported to dealer on 9/16/98. Dealer replaced lower front arm assembly. Problem has recurred. Returning to dealer for service on 11/11/98.
Severe shaking of front wheels when applying brakes at speeds of 55 to 70 mph. Traveling over the mountains of western maryland, I could not keep my foot on brakes. Had to pump the brakes to avoid the severe shaking of the front wheels. This is more than just annoying, it is frightening because you have to get off the brakes to stop the shaking when descending long grades. Have had the car to the dealer twice for this problem. First time at 21,368 (dealer machined rotors) and the second time at 30,467 (dealer machined rotors and replaced pads). Each time, problem only stopped temporarily. At 54,400 I had to purchase 2 rotors ($240. 00) and was told that gm had redesigned the rotors to fix the problem. Since I was beyond 3yr/36,000 mile waranty gm would not cover this cost. The original rotors are defective and dangerous under high speed downhill conditions. I have just learned of a gm bulletin to dealers that acknowledges that the rotors are a problem. My neighbor advised me of a 1999 Malibu that exhibited the same severe front end shaking under braking. I have the original rotors and the pads that I replaced on 10/27/2000 at a cost of $357. 30 (parts only). This problem deserves immediate attention.
Upon depressing the brake pedal, noticed a loud grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer, therefore, contacted the dealer. Cause was determined to be the brake pads and rotors which needed replacing. Please provide any futher details.
While driving on road and whenever applying brakes, vehicle shakes and grinds. Contacted dealer, and they have replaced rotors twice and pads four times.
Vehicle made a grinding or groaning noise while stopping from various speeds. Had brakes replaced three times.
Right brake pad wore out/grinded, and left rotor was warped. Dealer has been contacted.
Front brake pads and rotors are prematurley wearing, cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify the problem. . Et.
We have had to replace the brake pads and rotors three times since Feb. 11 2000. The mileage was 34,000. The vehicle only has 62,000 miles as of today April 30, 2002. With the receipts we kept the combined total for brake work in the past two years equals $800. Our machanic did some of his own investigating and came up with the conclusion that the rotors are too thin, and the calipers were too light for the heat dispersment causing premature brake failure.
Disc brakes have never worked properly. Pads replaced at 30k miles. Brakes have never been right since I have owned this car.
Throttle body was clogged, causing the accelerator pedal to stick. Also, the vehicle has expoerienced premature brake wear.