2008 Malibu LT 2.4 front end clunk n tranny???'s

[irv]

I posted this in the "Vehicle" section but thought maybe it should be posted here also/instead?

I just purchased this car for my son. 142,500 kms, new tires, brakes, cat back exhaust and a new battery.

Oil change (5W-30 PUP & Fram TG) is done as is the rustproofing. (Krown)

I purchased a 5 ltr jug of Valvoline Maxlife full synthetic Dexron VI last night at Wally World for $31.89. From the reading I have done, the transmission filter is internal so one can only change the fluid, unless one wants to go to the length of tearing the transmission apart to get at the filter.
I have no idea if this car has ever been done so I plan on changing it out soon. Sounds like 5 ltrs is all it takes but I will measure how much comes out to be sure?

How often should I change the transmission fluid out? The manual says every 50,000 miles (severe, I believe?) but some of the vids I watched said to do it much sooner?
I plan to use my ramps in my driveway and do it that way. One vid said the car should be perfectly level with floor jacks on all 4 corners? Is this necessary?

Also, for those that own or have owned a older Malibu, do/did you experience a front end clunk? I did some reading and this issue seems quite common.
I found this but since I am taking his car in tomorrow for a front end alignment, I am going ask if they can do it?
It's annoying to say the least but I think this is the only cure unless you purchased the update steering shaft? Through the ladies receipts, that I purchased the car from, I see she had it done in 2010.
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/AlSmitty/2010-03-06_164922_Steering_Shaft.pdf
https://workshop-manuals.com/pontia...g_front_end_clunk/rattle/knock_on_bumps/

 

[LeakySeals]

If you have access to the transmission cooler return line off the radiator I would do it that way. much easier. You used the blue bottle, or the red bottle Valvoline?

 

[irv]

Originally Posted by LeakySeals
If you have access to the transmission cooler return line off the radiator I would do it that way. much easier. You used the blue bottle, or the red bottle Valvoline?


Red bottle, which is full synthetic. I read in another post this was discontinued and only semi syn was available so I was quite happy I found this one.

I haven't looked for the transmission cooler lines so I have no idea how easy they are to access? Are you alluding to doing a full flush/service by pumping the new fluid in until all the old comes out right out of the jug?

 

[LeakySeals]

I refer to is as an exchange of fluid. Using the transmissions own internal pump rerouting the return line with a hose into a pan. No external flushing or pressure. no dropping pans. You just need to find the return line for that car. Then use 10" of 3/8" clear hose and possibly an adapter to connect. going into a pan. Turn car on, pump 3 qts. Replace 3 qts. Turn car on drain 3 qts. Add 3 qts. You can exchange all the fluid, maybe 10-12 qts in less than an hour. Once you've done it once you'll see how easy it is.

I believe you got Maxlife Multi-vehicle full syn ATF. That is not Dex VI, its a universal fluid similar to, compatible with Dex VI. For that reason suggest you add a bottle of Lubegard Red to the maxlife to fortify.

 

[The Critic]

I recently had a 08 in the shop (same config as yours) with a clunk issue. There was significant play in the passenger front sway bar end link. Replacing both front sway bar end links resolved the issue. There was also a slight clunk in the steering column which was resolved by replacing the intermediate steering shaft.

 

[irv]

Originally Posted by LeakySeals
I refer to is as an exchange of fluid. Using the transmissions own internal pump rerouting the return line with a hose into a pan. No external flushing or pressure. no dropping pans. You just need to find the return line for that car. Then use 10" of 3/8" clear hose and possibly an adapter to connect. going into a pan. Turn car on, pump 3 qts. Replace 3 qts. Turn car on drain 3 qts. Add 3 qts. You can exchange all the fluid, maybe 10-12 qts in less than an hour. Once you've done it once you'll see how easy it is.

I believe you got Maxlife Multi-vehicle full syn ATF. That is not Dex VI, its a universal fluid similar to, compatible with Dex VI. For that reason suggest you add a bottle of Lubegard Red to the maxlife to fortify.



I'll see if I can find a vid doing it that way or I may just take it to my buddy who owns a garage and have him do it? I assume it is like the best way as that will remove all of it instead of just 5 ltrs of it.

You're correct on the fluid. It is the Multi-Vehicle variety. Dex/Merc, Mercon LV. I assume the Lubegard is recommended as well?

 

[irv]

Originally Posted by The Critic
I recently had a 08 in the shop (same config as yours) with a clunk issue. There was significant play in the passenger front sway bar end link. Replacing both front sway bar end links resolved the issue. There was also a slight clunk in the steering column which was resolved by replacing the intermediate steering shaft.


I am curious if the place I go to tomorrow recommends changing out that steering shaft? An update is/was available (TSB from GM) for this car but they obviously opted out of doing that back in 2010 when the car still had warranty.

Depending on the cost, I may just go for it if they recommend it? From the reading I have done, the "special" GM grease works as well but I don't know for how long?

Thanks for the info.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted by irv
Originally Posted by The Critic
I recently had a 08 in the shop (same config as yours) with a clunk issue. There was significant play in the passenger front sway bar end link. Replacing both front sway bar end links resolved the issue. There was also a slight clunk in the steering column which was resolved by replacing the intermediate steering shaft.


I am curious if the place I go to tomorrow recommends changing out that steering shaft? An update is/was available (TSB from GM) for this car but they obviously opted out of doing that back in 2010 when the car still had warranty.

Depending on the cost, I may just go for it if they recommend it? From the reading I have done, the "special" GM grease works as well but I don't know for how long?

Thanks for the info.


Under which operating conditions are you experiencing the clunk? There are many components that can cause a front-end clunk.

I do not have any experience with lubricating intermediate steering shafts; I have always recommended replacement.

 

[WobblyElvis]

If it is the steering shaft if will clunk when you turn the wheel back and forth. Not when going over bumps. Sometimes the shaft noise can be eliminated by loosening the pinch bold that joins the intermediate steering shaft to the pinion shaft of the rack. The steering shaft is then slid up and down on the pinion shaft and secured at the mid point of the available movement.

Again, if it is the intermediate shaft, a temp fix is to spray lube the splines of intermediate shaft. This is done from inside the car.

 

[irv]

Originally Posted by The Critic
Originally Posted by irv
Originally Posted by The Critic
I recently had a 08 in the shop (same config as yours) with a clunk issue. There was significant play in the passenger front sway bar end link. Replacing both front sway bar end links resolved the issue. There was also a slight clunk in the steering column which was resolved by replacing the intermediate steering shaft.


I am curious if the place I go to tomorrow recommends changing out that steering shaft? An update is/was available (TSB from GM) for this car but they obviously opted out of doing that back in 2010 when the car still had warranty.

Depending on the cost, I may just go for it if they recommend it? From the reading I have done, the "special" GM grease works as well but I don't know for how long?

Thanks for the info.


Under which operating conditions are you experiencing the clunk? There are many components that can cause a front-end clunk.

I do not have any experience with lubricating intermediate steering shafts; I have always recommended replacement.


Like wobblyElvis states below, mostly turning the car left or right but I do get it occasionally driving over the small curb part at the end of our driveway, which may be those sway bar bushings?

When I googled 08 Malibu front end clunking noises, I found lots of info/vids and once I seen those I paid more attention to it and determined noise was definitely coming from there like in this link.
http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/AlSmitty/2010-03-06_164922_Steering_Shaft.pdf
https://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/2005-malibu-steering-column-clunks-57075/
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/16058/chevrolet/malibu/chevrolet-malibu-steering-suspension/p4


Originally Posted by WobblyElvis
If it is the steering shaft if will clunk when you turn the wheel back and forth. Not when going over bumps. Sometimes the shaft noise can be eliminated by loosening the pinch bold that joins the intermediate steering shaft to the pinion shaft of the rack. The steering shaft is then slid up and down on the pinion shaft and secured at the mid point of the available movement.

Again, if it is the intermediate shaft, a temp fix is to spray lube the splines of intermediate shaft. This is done from inside the car.


I was going to just spray some lube in the spot shown in the link above to see if anything noise wise happened but never got around to it. When my son and I noticed some slight pull to the left while driving it, I knew then a front end alignment was in order so I just left it thinking probably the place I am taking it to is familiar with it and will fix it or suggest a path forward.

 

[oilmutt]

We have a 2005, 6 cyl, Malibu,once a year when i have the car on the ramps for a oil change,i remove the aft torque converter plug(8 mm) and train about 2.5 qt. of aft then replace the same amount by removing the transmission cap on top of the engine(drivers side).I have done this for the last 10 years on an annual basis,thus draining and refilling 25qt.I only use valvoline full synthetic automatic transmission fluid officially licensed & GM-approved DEXRON-VI fluid.

 

[daves87rs]

Steering shaft was part of a recall. Think the dealerships might still do it for free (or close)....

 

[irv]

Originally Posted by oilmutt
We have a 2005, 6 cyl, Malibu,once a year when i have the car on the ramps for a oil change,i remove the aft torque converter plug(8 mm) and train about 2.5 qt. of aft then replace the same amount by removing the transmission cap on top of the engine(drivers side).I have done this for the last 10 years on an annual basis,thus draining and refilling 25qt.I only use valvoline full synthetic automatic transmission fluid officially licensed & GM-approved DEXRON-VI fluid.


I believe my son's 08 4 cyl is different than your 05? From what I have watched, people drain out about 5 quarts then add the new stuff through the top. As far as I know, there is no torque drain bolt like you have on your car (vid below)
Watching this vid again, I can see why it might be important to have your vehicle level while doing this as the drain bolt is in the middle and not on the end like the oil drain bolt is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJm7xjzXt6s


Originally Posted by daves87rs
Steering shaft was part of a recall. Think the dealerships might still do it for free (or close)....


It's worth looking into but if I had to guess, likely too much time has passed now?

Thanks for the info, guys.