Does a Chevy Malibu have struts or shocks?
As a trusted auto service provider with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, I often get asked about the suspension systems of various vehicles. One common question is whether the Chevy Malibu is equipped with struts or shocks. Understanding the suspension system of your vehicle is crucial for maintaining a smooth and safe ride. Let’s dive into the details of the Chevy Malibu's suspension setup.
Understanding the Difference Between Struts and Shocks
Before we address the specifics of the Chevy Malibu, it’s important to understand the difference between struts and shocks. Both are integral components of a vehicle's suspension system, but they serve slightly different purposes:
- Shocks: These are designed to absorb and dampen the impact of road irregularities, ensuring a smoother ride. They work alongside other suspension components but do not support the vehicle's weight.
- Struts: Struts combine the functions of a shock absorber and a structural component of the suspension system. They not only dampen road impacts but also support the vehicle's weight and play a role in alignment.
What Suspension System Does the Chevy Malibu Use?
The Chevy Malibu, depending on the model year, is equipped with a combination of struts and shocks. Here’s a breakdown:
- Front Suspension: Most Chevy Malibu models, including recent ones, use MacPherson struts in the front. These struts are a key part of the suspension system, providing structural support and absorbing road impacts.
- Rear Suspension: The rear suspension typically features shocks. These shocks work to dampen vibrations and maintain stability, especially when driving over uneven surfaces.
Why Is This Important for Maintenance?
Knowing whether your vehicle has struts or shocks is essential for proper maintenance. Struts and shocks wear out over time and can affect your vehicle's handling, braking, and overall ride comfort. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Inspect your suspension system regularly, especially if you notice unusual noises, excessive bouncing, or uneven tire wear.
- Replace worn-out struts or shocks promptly to maintain safety and performance.
- Consult your vehicle’s owner manual or a trusted mechanic for specific maintenance intervals.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chevy Malibu is equipped with struts in the front and shocks in the rear, making it a well-balanced vehicle in terms of suspension design. Regular maintenance of these components is key to ensuring a smooth and safe driving experience. If you have any concerns about your Chevy Malibu’s suspension system, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional auto service provider like Kevin’s Autos for expert advice and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noise does a bad strut make?
When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump. In addition, these noises could be a result in worn shock or strut mounting components.
How much does it cost to replace struts on a Chevy Malibu?
The average cost for a Chevrolet Malibu Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $748 and $813. Labor costs are estimated between $248 and $313 while parts are typically priced around $500.
Can you just replace shocks and not struts?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. After all, all four have been on the vehicle for the same number of miles and worked under the same conditions.
Should I replace the whole strut or just the shock?
Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control.
Does a Chevy Malibu have rear struts?
All the Chevy Malibu's from 1997-2003 are the exact same procedure to replace the rear struts. I will show you step by step how to replace the strut assembly.
How do I know if my car has shocks or struts?
Look Underneath Your Vehicle.
In many cases, shocks will look like a hand pump. Struts, on the other hand, typically look like a coil spring with a shock in the center, but occasionally, the shock is mounted next to the spring.
What happens if my struts go bad?
When struts go bad, the internal seals start leaking and the struts gradually lose their ability to to absorb the bumps in the road surface and keep the tires firmly on the road. This affects handling because tires and the springs like to keep bouncing.
What are the signs of a bad shock and strut?
Symptoms of Worn Shocks & Struts
- Nose dive when braking.
- Bouncy ride.
- Vehicle rolls or sways when cornering.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Rear squat during acceleration.
- Vibration in steering wheel.
- Unusual noises.
- Leaking fluid on exterior of shocks/struts.
What's the difference between a shock and a strut?
Shock absorbers are located behind the tires and work alongside a separately mounted spring. The sole job of car shock absorbers is to stop the car from bouncing. Car struts combine a shock and spring assembly in one unit that is part of the structural make-up of the vehicle.
What does a bad rear strut feel like?
When your shocks and struts are going bad, the rear of your vehicle can squat excessively when you hit the gas pedal. The vehicle's momentum is transferred to the rear which causes the front end to rise, a factor in passenger motion sickness and unnecessarily high loading of the rear suspension components.
