One day I noticed some noise comming from my steering wheel.. With all the notices about electric power steering motor failing I thought it might be my turn. I wasn't too worried because Luckily for me there are plenty of cobalts in the local scrap yard.. I figured I would just wait till it died.
So a few days later I started to feel the noise in my brake and gas pedal. So I did more investigation and discovered that the noise was actually the steering shaft rubbing against the rubber collar that goes against the firewall. I lifted the collar up and discovered that the grease was all gone. So instead of using regular grease I am trying synthetic brake grease since its waterproof.
I dont think most of you will have to worry about this because Here is what I think happened, living in Canada there a lot of salt used on the roads, in am attempt to avoid owning a rust bucket I would go to the car wash once a week and did a full under carriage wash and I would wash under the wheel wells and rims.. I am pretty sure I washed away the grease with all the car washes...

The brake grease is working perfectly...

 

Been there had to replace the shaft!!

 

Regarding the power steering electric motor.
No need to consider the junkyard if your's fails. GM has a lifetime warranty/replacement on that part for the regular HHR's.

Someone can give you the specifics or you can do a Search for more info on this site. It's been discussed here in numerous threads.

 

Specifically in the "recall" area of the forum.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/gm-recall-campaigns-70/