Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2000 Chevrolet Malibu

Rack and pinion mount bracket rusted out.

Tl-the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, he began to hear a loud clunking noise when turning to the right. The vehicle was taken in for repair, and it was diagnosed that the k frame, which the rack and pinion steering is bolted to, was fractured due to rust. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 287,000 aa.

While parking I heard a noise in the front end and upon turning the wheel harder the power steering went out. I could barely turn the wheel. Later in the day put in more power steering fluid thinking that was the problem but had the same issue. I thought the power steering was going out as I was hearing a grinding type noise in the front end. The next day I could feel something under the driver floor board and louder noises when turning hard. Took it to my mechanic and was told sub-frame is rusted and needs replaced as well as the rack and pinion; this will start out as a $2000. 00 repair and could go up to $4000. 00 depending on what else they find when they work on it. This is a safety hazard and should be fixed by gm as they used shoddy materials building this vehicle. My mechanic said I shouldn't drive it as I may loose control of the vehicle. This car was kept in a garage for the first 10 years I have owned it and has only been parked outside for about 5 years. At only 89,000 miles I am disgusted at the way this vehicle was built. I have also replaced the head gasket, not once, but twice!.

The car will not turn left. It makes a metal on metal sound. My mechanic says the engine cradle is completely rusted out, and the rack and pinion steering needs replacing. He said the rust is caused by the hose from the air conditioning dripping on the engine. He said that he sees the engine cradles rusted out all the time on chevy Malibus. I have maintained this car and never knew about this rust until now. The car has very low miles for its age. The body of the car is perfect. I would like chevy to repair this. It would be about $2000 or so to get the car repaired with a used engine cradle and a used rack and pinion. I see that other people have told you about the same problem.

The subframe is rusted and the rack and pinion need to be replaced.

The rack and pinion mounts rusted from the frame. Shaking and issues with vehicle pulling to the left while driving before breakage.

Bought this car as a project car with low mileage. Got bought at a used car dealership. Piston slap!!! especially cold. Front sub frame rotted out and rack and pinion destroyed needed immediate replacement. Later was told rocker panels are destroyed with huge holes I was clearly upset another Malibu with another problem. Common problem with Malibu's from '98-'02. Was unable to safety because of panels missing a layer in spots (holes). Rear quarter panels severe rotting around wheel wells and gas cap area requiring bondo to fill in holes a horrible problem with Malibu's. Air conditioning clutch grinding constantly and half the time a/c bottom works. Sadly gm will not recall these issues now have to invest $7000 to make into a show car. Gm should be ashamed of body problems and constant piston slaps and lifter knocking. I have to do an overhaul of $600-800 on engine. . Read more...

Sub frame cradle weak, releases rack and pinion.

I own a 2000 cheverolet Malibu. When I was getting an inspection it failed because the steering rack was loose, one of the screws holding it togather,backed out. It was still there but monro does not do this type of work on cars. I was told by monro muffler/brake that it would have to be taken to a cheverolet dealer to have this work done. Do you have any other complaints about this problem. Thank you, steven m. Crowe putter9156@msn. Com.

Rack and pinion steering failed. A recall was issued; however, this vehicle was not included in recall due to model year.

Vehicle developed a problem with the power steering when attempting to make left turns. The consumer stated the steering virtually locked up. The consumer stated his vehicle had the same problem as stated in the recall for previous models regarding the steering rack and pinion. (recall#03v527000).