Inspecting Strut Coil Springs for Settling on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu
Your 2017 Chevrolet Malibu’s coil springs can sag due to metal fatigue and corrosion from road salt. Check for ride height: front should be 257–267 mm, rear 252–262 mm from hub center to fender. A drop over 1.5 inches or side-to-side difference beyond 10 mm signals wear. Inspect for cracked rubber isolators, fluid leaks, and coil alignment. Springs under 10.2 inches unloaded need replacement. There’s more to know about keeping your suspension in top condition.
Notable Insights
- Measure ride height from wheel hub center to fender edge; front should be 257–267 mm, rear 252–262 mm.
- Compare side-to-side height differences; a gap over 10 mm indicates uneven spring settling.
- Inspect coil springs for corrosion, cracks, or reduced free length below 10.2 inches when unloaded.
- Check for persistent clunking over bumps or uneven tire wear, signs of spring fatigue and sag.
- Verify strut mounting bolts are tight and springs sit properly on upper and lower seats without tilting.
Why Your 2017 Malibu’s Coil Springs Sag
While time and use inevitably take their toll, your 2017 Malibu’s coil springs sag primarily due to metal fatigue from repeated compression and rebound cycles. Coil fatigue develops as the spring steel slowly loses elasticity after millions of flex cycles. Each time the spring compresses over bumps or rebounds from dips, microscopic stress fractures accumulate. Over time, this weakens the coil’s structural integrity. The Malibu’s front springs endure roughly 1,500 lbs of dynamic load daily, accelerating wear. Metal corrosion worsens coil fatigue, especially in climates with road salt or high humidity. Rust eats into the spring’s surface, creating weak points that reduce load capacity. Even factory-coated springs can chip and corrode. Once corrosion starts, it compromises tensile strength. Spring rate drops, leading to noticeable sag. This isn’t sudden failure-it’s gradual degradation. You won’t feel it day-to-day, but after 60,000 miles, ride height can drop over half an inch.
Signs Your Malibu’s Coil Springs Are Wearing Out
How do you know when your 2017 Malibu’s coil springs are nearing the end of their service life? Look for persistent coil noise, especially when going over bumps. This metallic clunking suggests weakened springs. Uneven wear on tires often follows as the suspension fails to maintain proper alignment. You may also notice reduced ride height-typically more than 1.5 inches below factory specs at the fender.
| Symptom | Emotional Impact | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Sagging rear | Frustration | Poor handling |
| Coil noise | Anxiety | Component damage |
| Uneven wear | Disappointment | Costly tire replacement |
These signs indicate fatigue in the spring steel, reducing tensile strength. Without elasticity, the spring can’t absorb impacts efficiently. Left unchecked, handling degrades and safety diminishes. Early diagnosis prevents further strain on struts and mounts.
How to Visually Inspect Front and Rear Struts
You’ve already learned what to watch for when your 2017 Malibu’s coil springs start to fail, so now it’s time to check the actual condition of the front and rear struts. Begin with the vehicle on level ground and safely raised using a floor jack and jack stands. Inspect each strut assembly for visible damage, corrosion, or fluid leaks-signs of internal failure. Check strut mounting bolts for tightness; loose or damaged mounts can cause noise and misalignment. Examine spring alignment: the coil should sit squarely on the upper and lower seats without tilting or binding. Misaligned springs stress components and reduce ride stability. Use a straightedge to verify the spring’s perpendicular orientation relative to the strut axis. On the Malibu, front struts use a MacPherson design with a single coil-over strut, while the rear uses a trailing arm setup with coiled struts. Guarantee rubber isolators are intact. Pay close attention-early defects here affect handling and safety. For optimal performance and longevity, consider upgrading to one of the best strut brands recommended for your Malibu’s make and model.
Check Ride Height to Confirm Spring Sag
If the strut and spring assembly looks intact, the next step is to verify ride height, as even slightly sagged springs can alter alignment and handling. Measure from the center of the wheel hub to the bottom edge of the fender. On a 2017 Malibu, front ride height should be 257–267 mm; rear should be 252–262 mm. Compare readings side to side-any difference greater than 10 mm indicates uneven spring compression. Reduced ride height affects ride comfort, making impacts harsher and reducing suspension travel. Over time, weakened springs lose their ability to resist spring compression under load, leading to bottoming and poor control. Consistent ride height guarantees proper geometry for stability and tire wear. Use these measurements as objective proof of spring fatigue. Do not rely on appearance alone-ride height data gives a clear, quantifiable assessment of sag.
When to Replace Strut and Spring Units
Why do some drivers wait until their Malibu bottoms out over speed bumps before addressing suspension issues? You shouldn’t. Replace strut and spring units when you notice persistent sagging, even after ride height inspection. Visible spring corrosion compromises structural integrity-surface rust might be tolerable, but deep pitting reduces spring strength by up to 30%. Check for cracks or deformities at the strut mounting plate; misalignment here affects camber and causes uneven tire wear. If the coil spring’s free length measures less than 10.2 inches unloaded, it’s weakened and needs replacement. Always replace struts and springs in pairs. A failing strut mounting bearing can produce thudding noises during turns. Delaying replacement risks damage to steering components and reduces crashworthiness. Don’t wait until failure-inspect annually, especially in salty or humid climates. Safety and performance demand timely action.
Maintain Your Malibu’s Ride: Spring Care Tips
While regular maintenance often focuses on fluids and brakes, the coil springs in your 2017 Malibu’s strut assembly need attention too. Inspect for spring corrosion at least once a year, especially if you drive in wet or salty conditions. Corrosion weakens the spring’s tensile strength, reducing load capacity by up to 20% in severe cases. The OEM spring rate is 145 lb/in; significant deviation affects ride height and handling. Mount degradation is equally critical-rubber bushings in the strut mount can crack or compress, leading to noise and misalignment. Check for uneven tire wear or a clunking sound over bumps, signs of failing mounts. Replace mounts every 75,000 miles or sooner if damage is visible. Preventive care extends strut life and maintains factory ride quality. Address spring corrosion and mount degradation early to avoid costly suspension repairs.
On a final note
Your 2017 Malibu relies on precise suspension geometry for safe handling. Coil spring sag reduces ride height, affecting alignment and stability. Measure clearance from fender lip to axle center: front should be 8.5–9.1 inches, rear 7.8–8.4 inches. Out-of-spec measurements indicate spring fatigue. Replace springs in pairs with OEM-grade units rated for 550–620 lbs front, 280–310 lbs rear. Always inspect accompanying struts for wear.
