Being subject to recurring noise on your vehicle tends to be irritating, a vehicle is so complex that it is generally difficult to determine its origin and even more so to find the part that causes it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your Chevrolet Malibu, we will almost certainly be able to help you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to compose this article in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu. This is why, firstly, we will check out what are the reasons of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the origins of clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu coming from your suspensions.
I listen to a clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu on my engine
Check your high engine
If you listen to a clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu, and this noise is based at the top of the engine, it means that it originates from your cylinder head and its associated parts. Two parts can be the triggers of these ticking noises on Chevrolet Malibu. Either the hydraulic pushers , generally it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will perceive these clicking noises, often when cold and disappear when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their condition of wear that is at issue. In this case, remember to change them.
Check your low engine
If you have identified the spot of origin of the Chevrolet Malibu clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the triggers. In both situations, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two fixes are very complicated and most mechanics will recommend you to replace the engine of your Chevrolet Malibu.
Combustion problem
Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu is related to the combustion of your engine, there are three possible triggers of it. Check the state of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is conceivable that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine elements to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic cause, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are injured. In this case, do not hesitate to read this article which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on Chevrolet Malibu.
I listen to a clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu in my direction
Check the state of the gimbals
One of the most common triggers of a clicking noises in the direction of your Chevrolet Malibu is connected to the direction of the vehicle. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can generate a ticking type of sound when you get closer to the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will affect the cardan shaft very quickly and must be swapped very quickly, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be swapped. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on Chevrolet Malibu, do not hesitate to read this complete guide.
Check the rest of your direction
Finally, when you detect a clicking noise on your Chevrolet Malibu, it is conceivable that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the case, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.
I listen to a clicking noise on Chevrolet Malibu coming from my suspensions
Check the suspension
If you encounter a clicking noise on your Chevrolet Malibu when you pass a speed bump, it is really conceivable that your suspension block is the reason of the noise. In fact, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are dead, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its task and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To examine if this is the problem that worries you, take a dented road and, at low speed, pay attention to the noise coming from your front axle when you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them as soon as possible as this may damage other parts and require more expensive repairs.
Check spring and cylinder
If you detect a clicking noise on your Chevrolet Malibu at the suspension level, it is widely conceivable that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a cause. To examine the condition of the spring, place the vehicle on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are equivalent on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also examine between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it denotes that most likely your springs are worn, if you see a leak go a little further in the article to have the solution to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, ensure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should think about replacing it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on Chevrolet Malibu than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.
