One problem related to water pump has been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When my car was bought from gold key auto it had 88,000 miles. The day after purchase the car would not crank, had to purchase a battery that would hold enough power to start car. The brake problem has been continous since car has been purchased they wear out and squeal once a yr. Or less, 1 yr. After puchase of car it has had a total caliber change right and left, this was a 235. 00 charge from wheels unlimited in waycross cause of repair brakes locked up on car. Alternator has been changed 3 times 1st yr. , one failing after another. This past Dec. , 1 right side caliber change and another brake change. Car started making a rattle noise were timing chain is so we proceeded with changing the timing chain, replaced in Dec. 2002. At the same time water pump was replaced. The rattled was still there, now my car is parked waiting to find out whats wrong now. Possible fly-wheel or timing gear.