I recently bought a 2007 Malibu with only 102k miles. I have 2 issues, first it has an oil leak, looks like from where the starter is in the front. Second my electronic power steering malfunctions in the rain making me think I have a wire exposed somewhere. Any advice would be appreciated thanks

Oil leak I'm no help, but on the steering try checking and resealing all the firewall connectors. Years ago I had a firebird that lost radio and lights every time I hit a puddle and got spray under the hood. Did all the connectors I could find and that pretty much solved it.

About 1999 had the same issue with a Geo Storm ignition. It just wouldn't start in the fog, damp or rain, and again it was moisture getting into the connectors. Common problem on those things. Seems to be a long running failing at GM

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 10-18-2019).]

Ok thanks on the PS advice I also suspected the same. The car seems to have been sitting for years in a hot s. Fla yard I'm up in the Appillachian mts now, I covered up so much exposed wires I almost used a full new roll and the old plastic covers were so brittle they'd break upon touching them. The car was not leaking when I was in Florida it only has 102k when I bought it, when I brought it up here in the mountains it started leaking crazily just weeks later where I had to put about a half a quart a week I believe it was, now it's suddenly mysteriously stopped which makes me think something with the oil filter , I hope. On a good note though the power steering works now in the rain.

Anyone know if I can pressure clean the aluminum 5 spoke rims before repainting them black? I have five rims only one has remained black the other four that were on the car exterior are all rust colored

[This message has been edited by DanDamage (edited 10-28-2019).]

quote Originally posted by DanDamage: Ok thanks on the PS advice I also suspected the same. The car seems to have been sitting for years in a hot s. Fla yard I'm up in the Appillachian mts now, I covered up so much exposed wires I almost used a full new roll and the old plastic covers were so brittle they'd break upon touching them. The car was not leaking when I was in Florida it only has 102k when I bought it, when I brought it up here in the mountains it started leaking crazily just weeks later where I had to put about a half a quart a week I believe it was, now it's suddenly mysteriously stopped which makes me think something with the oil filter , I hope. On a good note though the power steering works now in the rain. Anyone know if I can pressure clean the aluminum 5 spoke rims before repainting them black? I have five rims only one has remained black the other four that were on the car exterior are all rust colored

If the wheels are alum. the rust color is brake pad dust and rotor material.
I'd have them sand blasted before you repaint if a good cleaning does not remove the brake dust/dirt from the wheels.

The oil leak. do an oil change with the high mileage oil it has stuff in it to help old seals, and gaskets, reseal. not ideal but works.


Can't help on the p/s. but is the motor under the dash,? or near the rack under the hood?
If under the dash, check to see if your windshield is leaking when it rains, Also check that the heater core isn't leaking, yes the core is most times on the pass side ,and the steering on drivers side, but the bcm (body control module) and it's wiring can be anywhere.

one last thing, if this car has a sunroof, the drain hose(plastic) most likely is done for from the heat. and the sunroof can drain the water down the front of the roof and a pillars, dash/etc. as most newer vehicle the headlinder is coated boarding or plastic with fabric over that, the water will not show on the headliner.
replacing said drain hose is, well, fun.

[This message has been edited by E.Furgal (edited 10-30-2019).]

Thank you Frugal , I got the Power steering all patched up it was the exposed wires.

Thanks for the tip on the high mileage oil I already had bought just that and thought I made a mistake in buying that. It's so weird that in Florida it didnt leak

Colder temperatures... You got a lot more expansion and contraction now than you did in Fla. The gaskets and seals do the same thing Mr. Happy does.

[This message has been edited by MidEngineManiac (edited 10-30-2019).]

quote Originally posted by MidEngineManiac: Colder temperatures... You got a lot more expansion and contraction now than you did in Fla. The gaskets and seals do the same thing Mr. Happy does.

Ya, problem is gaskets and seals get stiff, and don't like to expand and contract. as they are hard, so they contracted slower and you get a leak, or don't contract enough and always leak,
the high mileage oil softens the seals some. but in the end ,long term it will ,the leaks come back. but most vehicles don't last long enough to worry about it.

quote Originally posted by MidEngineManiac: Colder temperatures... You got a lot more expansion and contraction now than you did in Fla. The gaskets and seals do the same thing Mr. Happy does.

Lmao

It scienceing