[JWW]

Got 4,000 miles on the Malibu now, and for the last 500 miles I've noticed a clunking or rattle from outside/underneath when I go over small bumps. I think it's mostly front related, but I may have heard the clunk/rattle when the rear tire has gone over a small bump too. Either side, any speed. Seems worse the colder it gets.

Anyone else noticed a clunk/rattle from the suspension or ? developing like I have?

 

[beach]

Any specific area it seems to be coming from?

When cold, I get a little clunk from the front struts over bumps until warm, but that's pretty common. Otherwise, I have a clunk from somewhere inside the rear shelf area ever since they took it apart to replace a speaker, but no other appreciable noises.

 

[JWW]

I'm guessing it's the struts that are clunking. I'm wondering if it's a design flaw, or if I have a set of bad struts. I was also thinking it might be the exhaust bumping, but it's does seem more like sub-standard struts.........

 

[JWW]

Definitely can hear the clunking/rattling whenever I go over railroad tracks. Not so sure it's the struts, very hard to tell with all the sound insulation these cars have. Big bumps are no issue, small bumps and/or frost heaves I hear the clunk every bump. I keep my tire pressures low too, 28-32 psi depending on the weather, so I'm not 'smacking' my struts with hard tires.

 

[wojo74]

I had a similiar sound from my 2008 malibu.

Took it to the shop and referenced GM TSB Number:060232007 "Clunk, knock or rattle noise from front of vehicle while driving or turning over bumps at low speeds. (diagnose noise - lubricate inner and outer steering shaft, reposition I-shaft, add foam to radiator surge tank mounting bracket"

Got both inner and outer steering shaft replaced and the noise is gone.

 

[JWW]

Thanks for the great reply Wojo!

I talked to my neighbor yesterday (GM mechanic at the local Chevy dealer), and he said it was probably the steering shaft. I thought that problem was just the Silverado's, but he told me that over half of Chevy's vehicles have the same stupid design that came out in '99 with the steering system. He says it can be fixed, but will return.

I'll copy this e-mail and when I go in for my next service, I'll see if they can make mine go away.