Complete re-do? Front end, 2006 Malibu

[daves87rs]

Well, found my kid his first car/beater to learn/drive/fix on. 2006 Chevy Malibu LS with the 2.2. Motor and trans are solid, body is okay with some rust underneath, but frame is still solid…..

Besides needing new tires, it has a nice clunk when you make slow turns ((left is much worse than right). Judging by the wear of the tire, I get the feeling it is the tie rods (haven’t been able to get the car back up yet as I bruised my back). I will get under the car to confirm it soon….

But it did get my thinking- would it be wise to basically change almost everything down there? Car is almost 20 years old, driven by a Grandma. Car is a bit loosely on the turns, and I figure and total update might be good for the kid in the long run.adding the new tires might even give it a new(er) feeling to drive. Hoping that my kid can get at least a couple of years out of it.


Thoughts?

 

[skyactiv]

Where a lot of DIY'ers skip out on is replacing worn bushings.

 

[Tdbo]

I'd say that if you have to tear it down anyway, may as well.
None of the 19 year old parts are getting any younger.

 

[CarbonToast]

If struts - only change the struts

If tie rods - only change tie rods

If control arms - change everything control arms, tie rods, sway bar links, struts, and a front end alignment.

Basically, if your going to do the hard job just do all the easy stuff too.

 

[Nick1994]

Probably just needs a control arm. Start with an inspection, all else might be fine.

 

[daves87rs]

I'd say that if you have to tear it down anyway, may as well.
None of the 19 year old parts are getting any younger.

Add Michigan winters…..might break rusty parts!

 

[daves87rs]

Probably just needs a control arm. Start with an inspection, all else might be fine.

That is very possible too. Going to get inspected- might end up more than I can do….

 

[97prizm]

Well, found my kid his first car/beater to learn/drive/fix on. 2006 Chevy Malibu LS with the 2.2. Motor and trans are solid, body is okay with some rust underneath, but frame is still solid…..

Besides needing new tires, it has a nice clunk when you make slow turns ((left is much worse than right). Judging by the wear of the tire, I get the feeling it is the tie rods (haven’t been able to get the car back up yet as I bruised my back). I will get under the car to confirm it soon….

But it did get my thinking- would it be wise to basically change almost everything down there? Car is almost 20 years old, driven by a Grandma. Car is a bit loosely on the turns, and I figure and total update might be good for the kid in the long run.adding the new tires might even give it a new(er) feeling to drive. Hoping that my kid can get at least a couple of years out of it.


Thoughts?

I'd check bushings, tie rods, and wheel bearings. I'd also consider using naval jelly rust inhibitor on the underside. Paint it on with a brush.

 

[chorty]

i'd never consider replacing $1000 of parts.

I'd rather buy a $50,000 smaller piece of ****. Probably battery powered too.

 

[drtyler]

In my old high mileage Cobalt, the joints in the steering shaft wore out. They were the source of some clunking and loose steering. While you are likely on the right track with tie rod end or ball joint, its just something to keep in mind.

Looks like Genuine GM tie rod ends and control arms are still available. Had MUCH better use from GM parts in that Cobalt than Raybestos or Moog. The aftermarket stuff just didn’t last.

 

[D60]

Unless you're buying GM Genuine for everything, no. An existing OEM joint that might last another 2-3 years will be replaced with Mevotech or Moog that will last ~18 months.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[daves87rs]

In my old high mileage Cobalt, the joints in the steering shaft wore out. They were the source of some clunking and loose steering. While you are likely on the right track with tie rod end or ball joint, its just something to keep in mind.

Looks like Genuine GM tie rod ends and control arms are still available. Had MUCH better use from GM parts in that Cobalt than Raybestos or Moog. The aftermarket stuff just didn’t last.

I’ve been thinking about that too. Could be possible.

I did notice the GM parts on Rock Auto- this is one of the few areas the GM OE will last way longer. I am happy to see that……