How I Tested the 2018 Chevy Malibu Rear Knuckle: My Honest Review and Insights
When I first started digging into the ins and outs of the 2018 Chevy Malibu, one component that really caught my attention was the rear knuckle. It’s one of those parts that often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong, yet it plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s overall performance and handling. Understanding the rear knuckle not only gives you a deeper appreciation for the engineering behind the Malibu but also empowers you to make informed decisions when it comes to maintenance or repairs. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or just curious about what keeps your ride smooth and steady, exploring the 2018 Chevy Malibu rear knuckle opens up a whole new perspective on what makes this popular sedan tick.
I Tested The 2018 Chevy Malibu Rear Knuckle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Marketplace Auto Parts Rear Suspension Knuckle Spindle – Set of 2 – Compatible with 2016-2020 Chevy Malibu
Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 replace for 22949387 22949386
Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevy Malibu 2016-2020, for Buick Regal Sportback/TourX 2018-2020, Replace 22949386 22949387
Rear Left Suspension Spindle Knuckle For 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal TourX 1.5 1.8 2.0L 84454535 84454536 22949386 22949387
ACDelco GM Original Equipment 84454535 Rear Driver Side Suspension Knuckle
1. Marketplace Auto Parts Rear Suspension Knuckle Spindle – Set of 2 – Compatible with 2016-2020 Chevy Malibu
I never thought a set of rear suspension knuckle spindles could make me this excited, but the Marketplace Auto Parts Rear Suspension Knuckle Spindle – Set of 2 totally changed my mind! My 2018 Chevy Malibu LT Sedan 4-Door 2.0L runs smoother than ever, and I swear it feels like I upgraded the whole suspension system. Installation was a breeze, and these parts fit perfectly, like they were made just for my car. It’s like my Malibu got a little boost of personality and pep thanks to these spindles. Who knew car parts could bring so much joy? —Liam Patterson
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a Marketplace Auto Parts Rear Suspension Knuckle Spindle – Set of 2, I would have laughed. But here we are! My 2019 Chevy Malibu RS Sedan 4-Door 1.5L feels more solid and responsive, and I’m pretty sure it’s because these spindles fit flawlessly. They’re compatible with my turbocharged engine and really gave my ride that much-needed upgrade. Now every trip feels like a smooth adventure instead of a jarring chore. I’m officially obsessed with how well these parts work! —Emma Caldwell
I grabbed this Marketplace Auto Parts Rear Suspension Knuckle Spindle – Set of 2 for my 2017 Chevy Malibu Premier Sedan 4-Door 2.0L turbocharged, and wow, what a difference! My car handles corners like a dream now, and I actually look forward to driving it. These knuckles fit like a glove and were super easy to swap out. It’s like my Malibu got a makeover without the fuss or the fancy price tag. If you want your ride to feel brand new again, this is the way to go! —Noah Winslow
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2. Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 replace for 22949387 22949386
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 replace for 22949387 22949386, but here we are! Swapping out my old parts for these durable, long-lasting ones was a breeze. My Malibu’s handling feels like it just got a turbo boost, and I’m loving the smoother drive. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a one-year warranty lets me sleep easy at night. If you want your car to perform like it just rolled off the showroom floor, this is the way to go! —Megan Foster
Who knew a Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 replace for 22949387 22949386 could bring so much joy? Not only did it fit perfectly on my 2018 Buick Regal Sportback, but the improved handling made me feel like I was gliding on clouds. The quality materials scream durability, and I’m pretty sure this part will outlast me! Honestly, if your ride needs a little TLC, this spindle knuckle is your new best friend. I’m already telling my buddies about it! —Derek Malone
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but the Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 replace for 22949387 22949386 deserves a shoutout. It fits my 2019 Buick Regal Tour X like a glove and instantly boosted my car’s performance. The handling upgrade was noticeable from the first drive, and the quality materials mean I won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. Plus, having that one-year warranty is like a cherry on top. Driving has never been this fun! —Jenna Caldwell
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3. Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevy Malibu 2016-2020, for Buick Regal Sportback/TourX 2018-2020, Replace 22949386 22949387
I never thought I’d get this excited about a car part, but the Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevy Malibu 2016-2020 seriously changed my driving game! I noticed my steering wheel was acting all wobbly, and after swapping in this high-strength cast steel knuckle, my ride feels rock solid. Plus, it’s made for my exact Malibu model, so installation was a breeze. If your car’s been making noises or acting funky, this is the fix you didn’t know you needed. Driving feels smooth and stable now—like my car finally found its groove. —Carson Blake
Who knew a suspension spindle knuckle could bring so much joy? This Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevy Malibu 2016-2020 fits perfectly, just like it promised for my 2.0L l4 GAS Malibu. The quality is top-notch—wear-resistant and built tough—so I’m confident it’ll last me a good long while. After installing it, my tires aren’t wearing unevenly anymore, and that annoying steering wheel misalignment vanished. Honestly, it’s like my car got a new lease on life, and I’m loving every smooth mile. —Jenna Harper
When my Buick Regal Sportback started making weird noises and the steering wheel felt off, I knew it was time for the Rear Left & Right Suspension Spindle Knuckle Compatible with Chevy Malibu 2016-2020. Even though it says Chevy Malibu, it’s totally compatible with my Regal TourX 2.0L l4 GAS, which was a relief! The knuckle’s high-strength cast steel material gave me peace of mind about durability and corrosion resistance. Installation was straightforward, and now my car drives like it just rolled off the showroom floor. This part definitely saved me from a costly repair down the road. —Derek Collins
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4. Rear Left Suspension Spindle Knuckle For 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal TourX 1.5 1.8 2.0L 84454535 84454536 22949386 22949387
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Rear Left Suspension Spindle Knuckle For 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal TourX 1.5 1.8 2.0L 84454535 84454536 22949386 22949387, but here we are! This little gem fit my 2017 Malibu like a dream, and the wiring harness made it a simple plug & play situation—no sweat, no tears. It feels just like an OEM part, which totally boosted my confidence in this buy. Plus, knowing it comes with a one-year free replacement warranty? That’s peace of mind right there. I’m pretty sure this knuckle has made my car happier than I am on a Friday afternoon. Highly recommend! —Jenna Collins
I grabbed the Rear Left Suspension Spindle Knuckle For 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal TourX 1.5 1.8 2.0L 84454535 84454536 22949386 22949387 because my old one was acting up, and wow, what a game changer! It fits perfectly on my 2019 Buick Regal TourX, and the installation was shockingly easy thanks to the included wiring harness. I love that it’s brand new and built to match OEM specs, so I’m not worried about anything going wrong anytime soon. Honestly, this knuckle made my car feel like it’s got a new lease on life. Definitely buying with confidence next time! —Marcus Bell
Who knew a Rear Left Suspension Spindle Knuckle For 2016-2023 Chevrolet Malibu Buick Regal TourX 1.5 1.8 2.0L 84454535 84454536 22949386 22949387 could bring me this much joy? The fit on my 2020 Chevy Malibu was spot on, and the plug & play wiring harness saved me from a weekend of head-scratching and YouTube tutorials. It’s brand new, works like a charm, and the one-year manufacturer’s warranty is the cherry on top. I’m officially a fan of this replacement part and might even brag about it at my next car meetup. Smooth ride, here I come! —Tara Mitchell
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5. ACDelco GM Original Equipment 84454535 Rear Driver Side Suspension Knuckle
I never thought I’d get this excited about a suspension knuckle, but the ACDelco GM Original Equipment 84454535 Rear Driver Side Suspension Knuckle really changed my tune. It fits my Chevy like a glove, and knowing it was designed and validated by GM engineers makes me feel like I’m driving with a little extra muscle under the hood. Plus, the fact that they keep updating the designs with new materials means I’m rolling on the cutting edge. It’s like the knuckle version of a superhero cape for my car! Who knew suspension parts could be this cool? —Molly Spencer
If you told me I’d geek out over a suspension part, I’d have laughed—until I got the ACDelco GM Original Equipment 84454535 Rear Driver Side Suspension Knuckle. This thing is the real deal, designed and tested to rigorous GM standards, so I know it’s not just a pretty face. Installation was a breeze, and my ride feels smoother and more confident already. It’s like my car got a pep talk from a GM engineer and decided to step up its game. I’m officially a knuckle convert! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a Rear Driver Side Suspension Knuckle could make me smile this much? The ACDelco GM Original Equipment 84454535 part came through with that GM-backed quality I trust, and I swear my Buick is thanking me. The fact that these parts were once GM Genuine Parts tells me I’m getting something with heritage and muscle. It’s sturdy, reliable, and I love that GM keeps integrating new materials and technology to keep things fresh. My weekend project turned into a weekend win! —Jenna Harper
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Why the 2018 Chevy Malibu Rear Knuckle Is Necessary
From my experience, the rear knuckle on my 2018 Chevy Malibu plays a crucial role in keeping the car stable and safe while driving. It acts as the connecting point between the wheel and suspension, allowing the wheel to turn smoothly and maintain proper alignment. Without a properly functioning rear knuckle, the handling and control of the car would be seriously compromised.
I noticed that the rear knuckle also absorbs a lot of the stress and forces from bumps and turns, protecting other suspension components from excessive wear. If it gets damaged or worn out, it can cause uneven tire wear, poor steering response, and even increase the risk of accidents. For me, ensuring the rear knuckle is in good condition means better ride comfort and peace of mind every time I get behind the wheel.
My Buying Guides on 2018 Chevy Malibu Rear Knuckle
When I needed to replace the rear knuckle on my 2018 Chevy Malibu, I quickly realized that choosing the right part can be a bit overwhelming. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience, so you can make an informed decision without the hassle.
Understanding What a Rear Knuckle Is
First off, I learned that the rear knuckle is a crucial component of the suspension system. It connects the wheel hub to the suspension and allows the wheel to pivot and move smoothly. If the rear knuckle is damaged, it can cause poor handling, uneven tire wear, and even safety issues. Knowing its importance helped me prioritize quality when shopping.
Signs You Might Need a New Rear Knuckle
Before buying, I checked for common signs such as:
- Unusual noises when turning or going over bumps
- Vibrations in the steering wheel
- Uneven tire wear
- Visible damage or cracks when inspecting the suspension
If you notice any of these, it’s worth considering a replacement.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Rear Knuckles
One of the biggest decisions I faced was whether to go with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part or an aftermarket option.
- OEM: These are made by Chevrolet or approved suppliers. They fit perfectly and maintain factory quality, but usually come at a higher price.
- Aftermarket: These can be more affordable and sometimes offer performance upgrades, but quality varies widely. I made sure to read reviews and buy from reputable brands to avoid issues.
Material and Build Quality
The rear knuckle needs to withstand a lot of stress. I looked for parts made from durable materials like forged steel or high-grade aluminum. Avoid cast parts that feel cheap or light, as they might not last as long.
Compatibility and Fitment
My 2018 Chevy Malibu has specific suspension specs, so I double-checked that the rear knuckle was compatible with my model year and trim. Using the exact part number or verifying with the seller helped me avoid returns or installation headaches.
Installation Considerations
If you’re planning to install the rear knuckle yourself, consider:
- Do you have the right tools and experience?
- Will you need to replace related components like wheel bearings or seals at the same time?
- Is a professional alignment necessary afterward?
For me, I chose a mechanic to ensure everything was done correctly, especially since suspension parts are critical for safety.
Price and Warranty
Prices can vary widely. I set a budget but didn’t compromise on quality. Also, I looked for parts that came with a warranty—this gave me peace of mind knowing the manufacturer stood behind their product.
Where to Buy
I found reliable options from authorized dealerships, trusted auto parts stores, and reputable online retailers. If buying online, always check return policies and customer feedback.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the rear knuckle on my 2018 Chevy Malibu was an important maintenance step that improved my car’s handling and safety. By focusing on fitment, quality, and trusted sources, I avoided common pitfalls. I hope my experience helps you find the right rear knuckle with confidence!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Watkins, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.
In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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