Why Does the Steering Wheel on a 2003 Malibu Shake When I Brake ?

The 2003 Chevrolet Malibu steering column attaches to the steering rack and pinion. The rack and pinion is responsible for transferring the steering force to the wheels. Vibrations originating in the wheels, drive force transfer to the wheels or in the suspension can transfer through the rack and pinion to the steering column. Vibrations in the steering column are transferred to the steering wheel where it is felt by the driver.

Front Drive Axles

The transversely mounted engine in the 2003 Chevrolet Malibu connects the transmission's drive to the front axle. Power is transferred to the front wheels through the drive axles and CV joints. The CV joints, or "constant-velocity joints," allow the drive system to transfer power to the wheels at a constant velocity, regardless of the turn position of the wheel. CV joint failure causes vibration during wheel movement, especially during turning.

Warping or Uneven-Wear on the Front Rotors

Rotors are the "discs" in a disc brake system. Excessive heat, causing the metal to bend and flex, results in warped rotors. Uneven brake wear causes high and low spots on the rotor surface. Both conditions result in a pulsing or throbbing as the uneven distribution of pressure while braking causes the brake pads to grab unevenly. This creates a pulsing or throbbing sensation that is transferred through the steering column. Significant rotor warping or uneven brake pad wear may also cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other while braking.

Suspension

Ball joints, control arms and the tie-rod ends found on the 2003 Malibu help stabilize the vehicle's suspension. Failure in these parts may cause excessive vibration during braking that is transferred through the rack and pinion and up through the steering column, where it is felt through the steering wheel.

Engine Mounts

The engine mounts stabilize the engine during operation. Engine torque, or rotational force, is stabilized by the mounts during acceleration and engine-controlled deceleration. Vibration in the steering system due to engine mount failure is apparent not only during engine controlled braking, but also during acceleration.

Unbalanced Wheels

Significantly unbalanced wheels cause uneven braking. The lighter section of the wheel passes by the brake system followed by the heavier, unbalanced portion passing through. The steering is affected when the drag of the front left wheel is not balanced with the drag on the front right wheel. Imbalanced braking between wheels causes the vehicle to rapidly pull slightly left and then right and back again. During rapid deceleration, the alternation of drag force between the right and left front wheels causes the steering wheel to vibrate.