[Tonioh]

Hello to you all,
I have in my ownership Chevrolet Malibu on 1971.
There is a light leak after use of the vehicle.
I verified the oil of the engine and it is not that.
Furthermore, recently there is a strong noise which is listened as a grating under my feet when I am in free wheel (before braking and before an acceleration). I think in particular of the propeller shaft.
I deduct that from it the leak comes probably from the reservoir of the liquid of the automatic transmission But I do not know which product to put in it and I do not know where is the pull of this reservoir.

[72silverchevelle]

You can check the transmission fluid level, it is located on the passenger side of the engine, against the firewall. You can pull the dipstick out and check it. If it is low, you can fill it up to the level on the on the dipstick using automatic transmission fluid (ATF) by pouring it down that same tube, it is available at your local auto parts store.

[Wooderson]

You should be able to use a transmission fluid labled "Dexron." Ther may also be transmission fluid labled "all purpose" as well. Should be red in color, but I don't know what is commonly available in France.

[Big White]

Tonioh,

When you check the level of your fluid, you should check it when it is at operating temperature, not cold. Take you car for a good long drive. When you return, park on a flat and level surface. With the motor running and your foot on the brake, shift into each gear and then into Park. Leave the motor running when you check the level.

[Tonioh]

I've checked everything in front, there's actually no leak. But the noise comes from the drive shaft. Like something is seriously creaking but nothing about the engine. It's all new and in good shape. When I drive fast or i'm accelerating, the noise doesn't appear anymore, it's only when i'm in free wheels driving. As I said: before to break or before to accelerate. While it's rolling slowly in streets. It's very loud! and it happens under the car, vribating under my feet.
What's up?

[66 BRONZE]

Originally Posted by tonioh

i've checked everything in front, there's actually no leak. But the noise comes from the drive shaft. Like something is seriously creaking but nothing about the engine. It's all new and in good shape. When i drive fast or i'm accelerating, the noise doesn't appear anymore, it's only when i'm in free wheels driving. As i said: Before to break or before to accelerate. While it's rolling slowly in streets. It's very loud! And it happens under the car, vribating under my feet.
What's up?

u-joints

[Malibu65]

Originally Posted by SNAP

u-joints

x2

[novaderrik]

it must be fun to find even the simplest of parts for these cars over in Paris..

[Buzzbomb]

Originally Posted by Big White

Tonioh,

When you check the level of your fluid, you should check it when it is at operating temperature, not cold. Take you car for a good long drive. When you return, park on a flat and level surface. With the motor running and your foot on the brake, shift into each gear and then into Park. Leave the motor running when you check the level.

Yea, and it is also dependent on just how warmed up it is..Probably a TH350, so if the fluid is warm to the finger, needs to be around the add line- hair above or below. If its hot to the touch, it needs to be around the full mark, but not above. If it's cold, it should be below the add line. I know that sounds complicated for tranny fluid checks, but that is right out of a TH350 factory manual I found on the internet somewhere. THe reason for this is the fluid expands when it gets hot..

I agree with the others about shot U-joints..

[Bill Rose]

What they mean by u joints, are the universal joints in the drive shaft. There are 2 in the drive shaft, and they should both be replaced. If the needle bearings in the u joints dry out (no grease) they start making a screaming noise. That might be what you're hearing.

[Chris R]

If they are found to be loose. I would make sure to replace those joints sooner then later as well.

[Tonioh]

Nevermind you all.
Everything is fine now.
I found out that the wheels where a way too big at the back.
(SUV/truck tires)
Looking like a dragster!
One of them blew out yesterday.
Now i've changed it. There's no noise anymore
The car is all perfect.
Now I have a request.
What would be the best match to make my car having a good agressive look with the wheels?
Could anyone give me the perfect sizes?
Like Something bigger in rear but not huge. Something like I usually see on Chevelle.
What about this?:
American racing Outlaw 1 rims, with 295-50-15 rear and 235-60-15 in front

[Big Block Dave]

Originally Posted by Tonioh

Nevermind you all.
Everything is fine now.
I found out that the wheels where a way too big at the back.
(SUV/truck tires)
Looking like a dragster!
One of them blew out yesterday.
Now i've changed it. There's no noise anymore

SACREBLEU!

As far as the wheels, much depends on the backspacing. Take a rim off and measure the distance from the center of the inside of the rim, until it meets an imaginary line drawn (parrallel to the hub surface) from the edge of the backside of the wheel edge. Basically you are making a "T" on the back of the rim to measure how deep the wheel is. This will determine where your tire sits inside of the wheelwell