MALIBU

I have clunking noise in rear of 2005 malibu when your moving slowly over uneven road bumps.

EinST

I have to ask, is yours a Malibu or Classic? Trim level (LS, LT, MAXX LS/LT)? Have you had it in a shop yet?

MALIBU

It is a malibu ls. I have not had it to a shop yet, but have removed both wheels and checked all supension parts / brakes and everything seems ok. Thanks!

EinST

So, your setup is similar to my 2010, springs/shocks rather than struts. It could be anything in that mess of links and bushings. If I had to take a shot in the dark, I'd check the upper shock mounting (should be torqued to 66 lb ft if single bolt, 18 lb ft if two nuts). It's something that's not really apparent with the shock at full extension under spring tension.

Chevrolet Customer Service

Are you still having the clunking noise or has it been fixed?

-Jared Duane
Chevrolet Customer Service

MALIBU

no we haven't resolved the problem. We still have clunking noise in the back.

EinST

Does it mean my suggestion of checking the upper shock mounting didn't pan out?

MALIBU

yes! I checked upper and lower shock mounts, everything ok. I also checked all rubber bushings and suspension . I jacked up wheel to relieve tension on shock everything tight. I bounced on rear of car and shocks seems tight. What next. Thanks jerry.

EinST

This "clunking noise," is it metal-on-metal clang or dull knocking-on-rubber sound? Check for a loose parking brake cable or exhaust mount? Remove the stabilizer link from the knuckle and and then see if the link isn't all worn out. Also, try removing the stabilizer shaft itself, link and all, from the vehicle and then test-drive it? A lot of times people object to stabilizer bushing noises which I take for granted, even on my relatively new Malibu.

jeff_bod

I have the same problem of sorts I dont get a CLUNKING sound but i get a squeek like a a metal on metal and at first i was determinded to find it but never could it only made noise while moving never when stopped So i've managed to live with it and all i do is turn up the music and then it fades away nicely.
P.S. the noise came from the back of the car in my hatch area. my Malibu Maxx LS