Best Steering Parts for Chevy Malibu (2019-2024): Complete Buyer’s Guide

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Finding the Right Steering Parts for Your Chevy Malibu (2019-2024)

If you’ve been noticing a loose, wandering steering feel, clunking noises over bumps, or vibration through your steering wheel, your 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu’s steering system is sending you a clear message. Steering parts for Chevy Malibu owners are among the most searched replacement components online — and for good reason. The Malibu’s electric power steering (EPS) system is generally reliable, but wear and tear on tie rods, rack and pinion units, steering columns, and related components is inevitable, especially past 60,000 miles. This guide breaks down the best replacement options available today so you can drive with confidence again.

Quick Comparison Table: Top Steering Parts for 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu

Part Type	Brand	Best For	Warranty	Difficulty
Rack & Pinion Assembly	ACDelco	OEM-level replacement	2 years	Advanced
Rack & Pinion Assembly	Moog	Upgraded durability	Limited lifetime	Advanced
Outer Tie Rod End	Moog	Most popular upgrade	Limited lifetime	Moderate
Inner Tie Rod End	ACDelco	OEM fitment	2 years	Moderate
Steering Column	ACDelco	Full column replacement	1 year	Advanced
Steering Knuckle	Dorman	Budget-friendly option	1 year	Advanced

Top Picks: Best Steering Parts for the 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu

1. ACDelco Rack and Pinion Steering Assembly — Best OEM Replacement

When your Malibu’s rack and pinion starts leaking, clunking, or causing erratic steering behavior, an ACDelco replacement unit is the closest thing to what rolled off the factory floor in Fairfax, Kansas. ACDelco is GM’s own parts brand, so fitment on 2019-2024 Malibu models (both 1.5T and 2.0T variants) is essentially guaranteed.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:acdelco-malibu-rack-pinion]

Pros:

Exact OEM fit — no modifications needed
Backed by GM engineering standards
2-year/unlimited mileage warranty
Pre-bled in most cases for easier install

Cons:

Higher price point than aftermarket alternatives
May not offer any durability improvement over original

[CTA_BUTTON:acdelco-malibu-rack-pinion:ACDelco Official]

2. Moog Rack and Pinion Assembly — Best for Upgraded Durability

Moog has built a rock-solid reputation in the chassis parts world, and their rack and pinion assemblies for the Malibu are no exception. Their units often feature enhanced seals, improved internal coatings, and tighter tolerances than the OEM parts they replace. If your original rack failed earlier than expected, Moog is the upgrade worth considering.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:moog-malibu-rack-pinion]

Pros:

Limited lifetime warranty — exceptional coverage
Upgraded materials over factory spec
Direct bolt-on fit for 2019-2024 Malibu
Widely available through major retailers

Cons:

Slightly higher cost than budget brands
Professional installation still strongly recommended

[CTA_BUTTON:moog-malibu-rack-pinion:Moog Parts]

3. Moog Outer Tie Rod End — Best Bang-for-Buck Fix

Outer tie rod ends are the most common steering wear item on the Malibu. They connect your steering rack to the wheel and take a beating on every pothole and curb strike. Worn outer tie rods create that unnerving play in the steering wheel and cause uneven tire wear. Moog’s outer tie rod ends are the go-to recommendation from mechanics across the country for this generation Malibu.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:moog-malibu-outer-tie-rod]

Pros:

Limited lifetime warranty
Grease-able design for extended service life
Precise torque specs and alignment marks included
Very affordable — often under $30 per side

Cons:

You’ll need a wheel alignment after installation
Sold individually — buy both sides while you’re at it

[CTA_BUTTON:moog-malibu-outer-tie-rod:Moog Parts]

4. ACDelco Inner Tie Rod End — Best OEM Inner Tie Rod

Inner tie rods fail less frequently than outers, but when they do, the symptoms are similar — loose steering and noise. If you’re replacing the rack or the outer tie rod and your inner rod has high mileage, it’s smart to replace it at the same time. ACDelco inner tie rod ends are built to GM specs and are a safe, reliable choice.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:acdelco-malibu-inner-tie-rod]

Pros:

Perfect OEM specification match
Solid build quality and corrosion resistance
Reasonable price for a GM branded part

Cons:

Requires an inner tie rod tool for removal — a specialty item
Alignment needed after replacement

[CTA_BUTTON:acdelco-malibu-inner-tie-rod:ACDelco Official]

5. Dorman Steering Knuckle — Best Budget Option for Knuckle Replacement

Steering knuckles rarely need replacement unless your Malibu has been in a collision or experienced severe corrosion in rust-belt states. When replacement is necessary, Dorman’s remanufactured or new steering knuckles offer a cost-effective path versus dealer pricing. Dorman is well known for hard-to-find OEM-equivalent parts.

[AFFILIATE_LINK:dorman-malibu-steering-knuckle]

Pros:

Significant savings vs. dealer or OEM pricing
Engineered to OEM specifications
Available for both front left and right applications

Cons:

Warranty shorter than Moog or ACDelco equivalents
Complex installation — professional recommended

[CTA_BUTTON:dorman-malibu-steering-knuckle:Dorman Products]

Steering Parts Buying Guide for the 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu

Understanding the Malibu’s Electric Power Steering System

The 2019-2024 Chevrolet Malibu uses an electric power steering (EPS) system — no hydraulic fluid, no power steering pump, no reservoir to check. The assist is provided by an electric motor mounted on the steering rack itself. This is important because:

There are no fluid leaks to worry about (unlike older vehicles)
EPS-related issues may trigger a Service Steering System warning light
Electrical faults in the column or rack may require a scan tool to diagnose properly
Mechanical wear (tie rods, bushings) is still very much a factor

Key Factors to Consider When Buying Steering Parts

1. Exact Year and Trim Fitment: Always verify your exact model year and engine (1.5L turbocharged or 2.0L turbocharged). Some parts differ between trims like the L, LS, RS, LT, and Premier.

2. OEM vs. Aftermarket: OEM parts (ACDelco) guarantee fit but may not improve on the original’s durability. Quality aftermarket brands like Moog often exceed OEM standards at similar or lower prices.

3. Warranty Coverage: A limited lifetime warranty (Moog) is superior to a 1- or 2-year warranty for high-wear parts like tie rod ends. For major assemblies like the full rack, any warranty above 2 years is solid.

4. Complete the Job Right: When replacing tie rods (inner or outer), always budget for a 4-wheel alignment immediately after. Skipping alignment leads to rapid, uneven tire wear and unsafe handling.

5. Buy in Pairs: Tie rod ends and other symmetrical steering parts wear at similar rates. If one side is bad, the other is close behind. Buying both sides at once saves you labor costs down the road.

Brief Install Overview

Note: These are general guidelines. Always consult a service manual specific to your vehicle and follow proper torque specifications. If you’re not comfortable with this work, have a certified technician perform the repairs.

Outer Tie Rod End Replacement (Moderate DIY)

Safely lift and support the vehicle; remove the front wheel
Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the tie rod end
Use a tie rod separator tool to press out the tapered stud
Count the number of turns as you unthread the old outer tie rod end from the inner rod (maintain this count for reinstall to preserve rough alignment)
Thread on the new outer tie rod end the same number of turns
Torque the castle nut to spec and install a new cotter pin
Reinstall wheel and get an alignment immediately

Rack and Pinion Replacement (Advanced — Professional Recommended)

Full rack and pinion replacement on the 2019-2024 Malibu involves disconnecting the steering shaft, both inner tie rods, all rack mounting bolts, and on EPS-equipped vehicles, the electrical harness to the assist motor. This is a 3-5 hour job for experienced technicians and requires an alignment upon completion. We strongly recommend professional installation for this repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu needs new tie rods?

Common signs include a loose or wandering steering feel, clunking or rattling noises when turning or going over bumps, uneven tire wear (especially on the inside edge), and vibration through the steering wheel. A technician can confirm bad tie rods with a simple physical inspection — grab the wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock and check for play, or grab the tie rod by hand and feel for looseness in the joint.

Does the Chevy Malibu use hydraulic or electric power steering?

The 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu uses an electric power steering (EPS) system. There is no power steering fluid, pump, or reservoir. Steering assist is provided by an electric motor integrated into the steering rack assembly. This means steering issues may sometimes trigger a warning light and require electronic diagnosis in addition to mechanical inspection.

Do I need an alignment after replacing steering parts on my Malibu?

Yes — absolutely. Any time tie rod ends (inner or outer) or the full rack and pinion assembly are replaced, a 4-wheel alignment is required. Steering geometry directly controls where your wheels point. Even a small change in tie rod length can cause significant tire wear and handling issues. Budget approximately $80-$120 for an alignment at the time of your steering repair.

What’s the average cost to replace a rack and pinion on a 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu?

Expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a complete rack and pinion replacement including parts and labor at an independent shop. Dealer pricing can run $1,400 to $2,000+. Purchasing a quality aftermarket or OEM-equivalent rack online and having a trusted shop install it is usually the most cost-effective approach.

Are Moog steering parts good for a Chevy Malibu?

Yes. Moog is widely considered one of the top aftermarket brands for chassis and steering parts. Their components often feature enhanced materials, greaseable designs for extended service life, and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Many professional mechanics and enthusiasts prefer Moog over OEM for tie rod ends and other steering wear components.

Final Verdict: What Should You Buy?

For most 2019-2024 Chevy Malibu owners dealing with steering issues, the repair path usually comes down to tie rod ends before anything else. Start there — Moog outer tie rod ends are the most cost-effective fix and the most common culprit behind loose or noisy steering on this generation Malibu. They’re affordable, durable, and easy to find.

If your rack itself is leaking, binding, or causing electrical steering faults, go with an ACDelco rack and pinion assembly for guaranteed OEM fitment, or step up to a Moog unit if you want improved longevity and a better warranty. Either way, you’ll be back to confident, precise driving quickly.

Whatever parts you choose, remember: always get an alignment after any steering work, buy both sides when replacing symmetrical parts, and don’t ignore warning signs — steering issues only get worse (and more expensive) with time.

Have questions about fitment for your specific Malibu trim or model year? Drop a comment below or use our parts finder tool to get the exact match for your vehicle.