malibu creaks...

[mtdxx]

every malibu or cutlass i've been in seems to creak every time you turn. anyoen know the cause of this?

[burly]

If it is the same "creak" that I am thinking of, I think it's the chassis flexing. I don't get it every time it turn. I usually experience it when I am making a turn out onto a street And the street is at a lower elevation than the parking lot or road I am on. It is most noticable at lower speeds, but I think that may just be because there is less road noise so it is more prominent. Since the Malibu uses a unitbody construction, when the car experiences flex something has go to give. With body on frame construction, the body usually can roll a bit on the frame while the frame stays straight. In a unitbody though, the chassis itself has to exhibit some flex. That is, if the suspension cannot soak up the energy of whatever is causing the flex itself.

[DaYtOnAt2]

There's a TSB on creaking in several GM FWD cars. The N-Body is included. It states that the spring shifts/ twists when compressed and creates a noise against the spring seat. Typically in the Malibu/cutlass it is heard in the rear susp. when light to mildly loaded or on higher mileage cars. It also states that a silicone spray available most anywhere, sprayed around where the spring meets the seat will quiet it down but eventually the seat will have to be replaced. Hope this helps.

[Dan McNerney]

I had squeeking every time I hit a bump. Could also cause squeeking by pushing the rear of the car up and down. Thoght the rear shocks were bad, but it was only the rubber bushings between the rear torsion bars needed replaced. Cost $15 bucks at a good garage.
Mechanic said it was common on malibus.

[Cruzz563]

I find the only creak I hear, when turning, comes from the driver seat. Like slightly loose bolt maybe.

[momotram]

How do you find out about these TSB's? Can I get GM to pay for some of these repairs? I searched the internet today but I did not find any recalls for my 2 malibu's.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by DaYtOnAt2

There's a TSB on creaking in several GM FWD cars. The N-Body is included. It states that the spring shifts/ twists when compressed and creates a noise against the spring seat. Typically in the Malibu/cutlass it is heard in the rear susp. when light to mildly loaded or on higher mileage cars. It also states that a silicone spray available most anywhere, sprayed around where the spring meets the seat will quiet it down but eventually the seat will have to be replaced. Hope this helps.

[DaYtOnAt2]

TSB's or Technical Service Bullitins can be obtained through the dealer if you know someone (they aren't going to tell you the stuff they know goes wrong if it's not wrong with your car), or an independent shop that has alldata or mitchel repair software. I have actually found TSB's on the net before but I can't recall where. Keep searching and if you have a problem that the TSB's or a local shop/dealer can't answer this is the right place to be.