Locked up transmission

Tiny
DONALD3015
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Pulled up to a red light and the car wouldn't go anywhere, put it in neutral and it's still locked up when you do get it to move it grabs.
Sunday, December 26th, 2021 AT 4:34 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,706 POSTS
Hi,

If I had to guess, I suspect there is an issue with either one of the drive axles (CV axles) or the intermediate axle. Have you checked to make sure one of the drive axles on the front hasn't broken? I attached two pics below showing a drive axle and the intermediate shaft axle. If I had to guess, this is where I feel the problem is. One has broken or the intermediate shaft bearing (highlighted pic 1) has locked up. The intermediate shaft will connect to a drive axle (CV axle) on one side, and the opposite side will go to the transmission.

Here is what to do: Lift the wheel off the ground on the side having the intermediate shaft. With the parking brake on and the wheels blocked, place the transmission in neutral and see if you can turn that wheel. If you can't, put that side down and lift the opposite side. Do the same procedure. It should turn if the intermediate shaft bearing is the issue.

Here is a link you may find helpful. It explains what the CV axle does and shows what it looks like.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cv-joint-works

Also, there will only be one intermediate shaft. If I recall correctly, it will be on the passenger side of this vehicle.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, December 26th, 2021 AT 10:43 PM

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