MWG2

A friend got ripped off at a dealership recently, he was charged for a "Power Steering fluid flush" for his HHR. Just want folks to know the following:

According to page 248 of the 2007 HHR manual, it clearly states: "The electric power steering system does not require regular maintenance."

Here is the complete steering paragraph from the manual: (The bolding is my formatting.)

Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the engine stalls while you are driving, the
power steering assist system will continue
to operate until you are able to stop your vehicle.
If you lose power steering assist because the
electric power steering system is not functioning,
you can steer, but it will take more effort.
If you turn the steering wheel in either direction
several times until it stops, or hold the steering
wheel in the stopped position for an extended
amount of time, you may notice a reduced amount
of power steering assist. The normal amount of
power steering assist should return shortly after a
few normal steering movements.
The electric power steering system does not
require regular maintenance. If you suspect
steering system problems and/or the POWER
STEERING message comes on, contact
your dealer for service repairs. See DIC Warnings
and Messages on page 197.

ALSO: There is absolutely NOTHING in the maunual about Power Steering Fluid. No where in the manual do the words "power steering fluid" exist. The fluids mentioned in the manual (Page 403):

Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
Engine oil which meets GM
Standard GM6094M and displays
the American Petroleum Institute
Certified for Gasoline Engines
starburst symbol. GM Goodwrench®
oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle. To determine the
proper viscosity for your vehicle’s
engine, see Engine Oil on page 299.
Engine Coolant
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL®
Coolant. See Engine Coolant on
page 306.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
System
Delco® Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Hydraulic
Clutch System
Delco® Supreme 11 Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid.
Windshield
Washer Optikleen® Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake
Cable Guides
Chassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Manual
Transaxle
Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88861800,
in Canada 88861801).
Automatic
Transaxle
DEXRON®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.

Also, under Maintenace I and II in the owners manual, there is no mention whatsoever of performing a "power steering flush."

tim_tenn

Unless I'm totally mistaken, the steering uses an electric power assist, speed sensitive. More assist provided at lower speeds, diminishing assist as speed increases. "Speed-Sensitive Power Assist Steering, Electric" is how I believe it was listed on my window sticker. Guess maybe he missed that on his window sticker?

MWG2

It was the DEALERSHIP that performed the power steering fluid flush during his 30K service. He got royally ripped-off!!!! He didn't know that the car was electronic steering.

The Dealer had no right to take advantage of him like that. Typical Chevy "rip-you-off" dealership. MIND YOU, there are some honest Chevy dealerships out there, but they are few and far between.

oneton

Also for not reading the very informative 2006,2007,2008 HHR manual! That is free with the purchase of a HHR

MWG2

And I am one of those sick people that actually reads the manaul whenever I purchase a new vehicle.

I also have the 2007 HHR manual in PDF format on my computer. Makes it easy to search for items.

TomsHHR

This will explain the power steering. electric with rack and pinion backup.

http://************/5bq679

hhrcrafty

The HHR doesn't use hydraulics of any kind on the steering system. It has an actuator on the steering column that was designed by Seiko and now manufactured by Toyota.

I'd be curious to see what else was performed on the "30k service". Problem is that people don't do any of their own maintenance or even bother reading the owner's manual to see what their car really needs. Most of my Honda and Toyota-owning friends just take the car to the dealership and happily pay $200 a visit for nothing more than an oil change and wiper blades.

LT1GMC

I'd confront the dealer and demand a refund for work that obviously could NOT have been done. If they balk, I would contact GM customer service, and/or a lawyer. The only way you can stop this bull is to take issue with it. Too many people just taking it is what allows it to happen in the first place.

jollyroger

Ditto. Why doesn't the guy just go back and ***** about it, get a price adjustment?
Yeah, he's gonna be ripped off sitting on his couch whining about it...jeez.

Snoopy

It's easier to vent here !!! And not as challenging or maybe as embarrasing.

Nothing against MWG. It's just the American human nature.