Everything You Need to Know About Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

Wheel bearings are an essential part of your Chevy Malibu's suspension system. They allow your wheels to spin smoothly and freely, which is necessary for safe and efficient driving.

What Are Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings?

Wheel bearings are small, round bearings that are pressed into the wheel hubs of your Chevy Malibu. They consist of two races (inner and outer) and a set of balls or rollers that sit between the races. The races are made of hardened steel, and the balls or rollers are made of a softer material, such as bronze or ceramic.

How Do Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings Work?

When your Chevy Malibu is in motion, the wheel bearings allow the wheels to rotate smoothly and freely. The balls or rollers sit between the inner and outer races, and they are lubricated by grease. As the wheel rotates, the balls or rollers roll between the races, reducing friction and allowing the wheel to spin smoothly.

Signs of Bad Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

There are a few signs that may indicate that your Chevy Malibu's wheel bearings are going bad. These signs include:

• A grinding or growling noise coming from the wheels. This is the most common sign of bad wheel bearings. The noise may be worse when you are driving at low speeds or when you are turning.
• Loose or wobbly wheels. If your Chevy Malibu's wheels feel loose or wobbly, it may be a sign that the wheel bearings are worn out.
• Increased vibration in the steering wheel or seat. This can be another sign of bad wheel bearings. The vibration may be worse when you are driving at high speeds.

Causes of Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing Failure

There are a few things that can cause Chevy Malibu wheel bearings to fail, including:

• Improper installation. If the wheel bearings are not installed properly, they may not be able to handle the load of the vehicle, which can lead to premature failure.
• Lack of lubrication. If the wheel bearings are not properly lubricated, they may overheat and fail.
• Exposure to water or dirt. If the wheel bearings are exposed to water or dirt, it can cause the bearings to rust or corrode, which can lead to failure.

How to Replace Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

Replacing Chevy Malibu wheel bearings is a job that requires some mechanical skills and tools. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, you should have it done by a qualified mechanic.

The steps involved in replacing Chevy Malibu wheel bearings are as follows:

1. Safety first! Park your Chevy Malibu on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Locate the bad wheel bearing. The bad wheel bearing will be the one that is making noise or causing the wheel to wobble.
3. Remove the wheel. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the bad wheel. Then, lift the wheel off of the hub.
4. Remove the brake caliper. The brake caliper is mounted to the wheel hub with two bolts. Remove the bolts and then lift the caliper off of the rotor.
5. Remove the rotor. The rotor is held in place by two screws. Remove the screws and then lift the rotor off of the hub.
6. Remove the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is pressed into the hub. You will need to use a slide hammer or a bearing puller to remove the bearing.
7. Install the new wheel bearing. The new wheel bearing should be pressed into the hub. You can use a bearing press or a hammer to install the bearing.
8. Reinstall the rotor. Place the rotor over the wheel bearing and secure it with the two screws.
9. Reinstall the brake caliper. Place the brake caliper over the rotor and secure it with the two bolts.
10. Reinstall the wheel. Place the wheel on the hub and tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower your Chevy Malibu. Lower your Chevy Malibu to the ground and remove the parking brake.
12. Test drive your Chevy Malibu. Take your Chevy Malibu for a test drive to make sure that the new wheel bearing is working properly.

Cost of Replacing Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

The cost of replacing Chevy Malibu wheel bearings will vary depending on the labor rates in your area and the availability of parts. However, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the parts and labor to replace a single wheel bearing.

Prevention of Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing Failure

There are a few things you can do to help prevent Chevy Malibu wheel bearing failure, including:

• Have your Chevy Malibu serviced regularly. Regular servicing will help to ensure that your wheel bearings are properly lubricated and adjusted.
• Avoid driving on rough roads. Rough roads can put extra stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
• Be careful when driving in water or dirt. Water and dirt can cause your wheel bearings to rust or corrode, which can lead to failure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do Chevy Malibu wheel bearings last?

Chevy Malibu wheel bearings typically last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on the driving conditions and the quality of the wheel bearings.

What are the symptoms of bad Chevy Malibu wheel bearings?

The symptoms of bad Chevy Malibu wheel bearings include:

• A grinding or growling noise coming from the wheels
• Loose or wobbly wheels
• Increased vibration in the steering wheel or seat

How much does it cost to replace Chevy Malibu wheel bearings?

The cost of replacing Chevy Malibu wheel bearings will vary depending on the labor rates in your area and the availability of parts. However, you can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for the parts and labor to replace a single wheel bearing.

How can I prevent Chevy Malibu wheel bearing failure?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent Chevy Malibu wheel bearing failure, including:

• Have your Chevy Malibu serviced regularly.
• Avoid driving on rough roads.
• Be careful when driving in water or dirt.

Conclusion

Wheel bearings are an essential part of your Chevy Malibu's suspension system. They allow your wheels to spin smoothly and freely, which is necessary for safe and efficient driving. By understanding the signs of bad wheel bearings and taking steps to prevent failure, you can help to keep your Chevy Malibu running smoothly for many years to come.

Tables

Table 1: Symptoms of Bad Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

Table 2: Causes of Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearing Failure

Table 3: Cost of Replacing Chevy Malibu Wheel Bearings

Effective Strategies

• Have your Chevy Malibu serviced regularly. This will help to ensure that your wheel bearings are properly lubricated and adjusted.
• Avoid driving on rough roads. Rough roads can put extra stress on your wheel bearings, which can lead to premature failure.
• Be careful when driving in water or dirt. Water and dirt can cause your wheel bearings to rust or corrode, which can lead to failure.
• Install high-quality wheel bearings. High-quality wheel bearings will last longer and perform better than cheap wheel bearings.
• Have your wheel bearings replaced by a qualified mechanic. A qualified mechanic will have the experience and tools to properly replace your wheel bearings.

Tips and Tricks

• If you hear a grinding or growling noise coming from your wheels, it is important to have your wheel bearings checked as soon as possible. Ignoring this problem can lead to more serious damage.
• If your wheels feel loose or wobbly, it is important to have your wheel bearings checked as soon as possible. Loose or wobbly wheels can be dangerous and can lead to an accident.
• If you are replacing your wheel bearings yourself, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Improper installation can lead to premature failure.
• If you have any questions about Chevy Malibu wheel bearings, be sure to consult with a qualified mechanic.

Humorous Stories

Story 1

I was driving my Chevy Malibu down the highway when I heard a loud grinding noise coming from the front of the car. I pulled over to the side of the road and got out to investigate. I looked under the car and saw that the front wheel bearing was completely destroyed