Bearings or joints are quite possible, but I would check the front brakes
first. I went through this a while back and I was all over that car looking
at everything. I finally found a stuck inner pad that had worn down to the
backing plate. To be honest, it didn't sound or act like a brake issue at
all, more like a wheel bearing problem. Fooled me.

The good news is that fixing the brakes is a whole lot cheaper than a new
bearing or drive axle. Good thing, because Malibu owners have to be very
familiar with front brake repair - welcome to the club.

Wes