When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Problems/Service/RepairsIf you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!
The intermediate steering shaft can make a noise, but usually while starting to move, like rolling out of the driveway and turning onto the street.
The steering rack can clunk, if it’s not torqued properly , the mount bolts are to be torqued 52 ft/lbs then turned another 90 degrees as seen in the first video
ti me lube is the key, if you are handy , remove the intermediate steering shaft and if it is stuck it’s time to replace it, if it will slide and you can extend and collapse the shaft, smear some white lithium grease on the inner shaft and work it into the outer shaft, also closely inspect the yoke and u-joint on the engine side of the firewall, it can get rusty and seize .
This was the original from Oldblue, the shaft was dry and the yoke was sticking.
This video demonstrates how to change the shaft, it is for a Cobalt, however it is very similar to the HHR, notice the rack yoke is shorter then the HHR yoke. The clunky joint was the same for Oldblue
I could certainly see it being the intermediate. After 200,000 miles, I'd imagine it could easily be worn out. Or at least dry. I have never touched the rack, so I doubt the bolts are loose, likely corroded on pretty tightly!
Well, I think my course will be sway links and bushings, and at least an inspection of the shaft, replacement if needed, or lubed if not.
And I'll have to get that assist motor replaced. Free part, may as well.
Actually, I might have them replace that, and when gm does that, they usually inspect things somewhat, and might give me some additional info.
GM will only replace the EPS motor if it is not working or showing trouble codes related to EPS motor failure. They will not just replace the motor as a preventative maintenance issue for free.
It is an extended warranty on the EPS motor. Not a recall.
Well, no recall for my steering motor. Nothing that shows up with GM or NHTSA. And the only thing I've had recall fixed was the ignition switch. So, either the motor was done in the year from when the car was built to when I got it, or there isn't 1. Might have to call my local dealer, but they'll probably tell me the same thing.
I missed George's reply. I've had the motor stop a couple times, but nothing that ever caused a code that I have found. So, I guess no replacement yet. I did find where it was announced. Maybe I can see if I can replicate the issue, if so, then I could do it for a gm tech.
A couple of years it was an actual recall; I don't remember which. What makes it more confusing is that the announcement of the extended warranty is in the form of a recall announcement. The letterhead says "recall" but the text reads "extended warranty".
Recently, a member reported that is did show in his recall report.
Repeated lock to lock will cause overheating. Like parallel parking practice. I thought they stopped testing that, they did in DC and VA. I remember literal hours between cones.
