Three problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
We are a salvage yard in central west texas (no salt used here). We have noticed that on all late model gm vehicles with abs, if the pump is mounted below the battery their is a high rate of brake line failer due to corrosion from battery acid. We sell a lot of gm steel brake lines for this reason.
I lost all braking and had to stop the vehicle by shifting into lower gears and then park. Had this happened at highway speeds, I am sure a collision would have occurred. Fortunately, it occurred while I was driving on surface streets at slower speeds. I had the vehicle towed to a Chevrolet dealer and found out that the brake line running from the left side of the vehicle to the right front brake had been rubbing on the engine, and the engine had rubbed a hole in the line. This should not have happened. I am concerned that it will happen again to me, or to someone else who may be driving at higher rates of speed. Someone could be seriously injured or killed if this problem occurs on other Malibu's.
Brake line too near bolt on side of engine, worn through due to friction, resulted in complete drainage of master cylinder.