Pop up front when beginning to back up
#1
Pop up front when beginning to back up
I decided to do a complete rebuild of the front end of my '07 HHR. at 160,000+ miles this isn't unusual. New control arms, tie rod ends, steering rack, struts, drive axles, sway bar bushings and links. This was not a difficult job and everything is torqued to spec. Now when I shift from D to R to back into my driveway, I hear a pop in the front end from the driver's side 80% of the time. I have had it on a lift twice, everything is tight and there's no play in anything. The engine mounts and transmission mounts are good, a few have been replaced over the years.
In my opinion, the new steering rack is defective, and I'm wondering how much hassle I will get from NAPA if I try to return it. In case you didn't know, all receipts at NAPA are retrievable based on your phone number, so they have a copy electronically stored. I have an account there, too.
I don't mind replacing the steering rack again, it's not that difficult, and the new one will go in if you loosen the rear engine mount, no need to remove it like videos suggest.
Otherwise the HHR handles quite well, it has been a bullet-proof car for 12 years. The engine and transmission have never had a problem, but recently a lack of power has me thinking that the converter is getting plugged. I'm going to try a few bottles of Cat Clean first. Mileage had dropped 15%, too.
In my opinion, the new steering rack is defective, and I'm wondering how much hassle I will get from NAPA if I try to return it. In case you didn't know, all receipts at NAPA are retrievable based on your phone number, so they have a copy electronically stored. I have an account there, too.
I don't mind replacing the steering rack again, it's not that difficult, and the new one will go in if you loosen the rear engine mount, no need to remove it like videos suggest.
Otherwise the HHR handles quite well, it has been a bullet-proof car for 12 years. The engine and transmission have never had a problem, but recently a lack of power has me thinking that the converter is getting plugged. I'm going to try a few bottles of Cat Clean first. Mileage had dropped 15%, too.
#2
That rear transmission mount get properly torqued , when you replaced the steering rack? Was the intermediate steering shaft yoke pinch bolt torqued correctly? When you loosened the rear transmission mount did you support the transmission? Could that clunk be from the centre transmission mount? The one under the fuse box on the driver’s side?
#5
I tightened the read transmission mount, but I'm not going to say I did the proper torque. The intermediate shaft bolt is correct. No, I did not support the transmission because loosening 1 bolt would not allow it to shift. I agree that it could be one of the transmission mounts, it makes the most sense. When replacing everything else the tolerances could have been reduced. I will check the mounts, as shifting into reverse could buck them the opposite direction.