suspension/drive train issues '09 Malibu

[ontrack]

My '09 Chevy Malibu (23K miles) has been making strange noises when turning--it sounds a little like the squeak when you turn if the tires were wet, but it does it off and on regardless of weather. It is especially pronounced when driving in a parking garage. Anyone have any ideas? And would it be covered under a warrenty, mines still under one.

[tskeeter]

ontrack, your questions sounds a bit like a problem that I experienced several years ago. There was a creaking/groaning noise when I turned sharply to the left. Like when you make a u-turn. Didn't make the same noise when turning the other direction. The problem was a worn bearing plate at the top of a front suspension strut. Had the bearing plate replaced and the problem went away.

Since we're not talking about brakes, tires, or some other item that wears out quickly, I'd think that your warranty should cover the repairs.

[tskeeter]

Another thought.

Have you opened the hood and listened for your squealing noise? I'm wondering if you've got an accessory drive belt squealing. Given the closed in confines of a parking garage, you can hear things that you wouldn't be able to hear under normal driving conditions. Similar conditions exist if you drive close to a curb, across a bridge that has concrete side walls, next to concrete lane dividers, etc.

If you have someone else blip the gas pedal while you listen, you might hear a brief squeal as a result of the rapid change in engine speed. The cause would be a loose belt. (As engine speed increases, centrifugal force causes the belts to tighten over any pulleys the belt goes around, so the squealing present at low speeds or on rapid increase in engine speed may go away.)

Given that your car is 3 years old, any original belts would be about due for replacement just due to age, even though the car is low mileage. As belts get old, they tend to dry out and may begin to slip on pulleys causing them to squeal. Belt replacement would be a normal maintenance item and would probably not be covered by your warranty.

[ontrack]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'll take it into the dealer this week, but wanted to get your thoughts first.