Hello all,
so my 2007 HHR LT 2.4 has 225k on it and runs amazing. problem is it started wandering on freeway speeds and on sweeper turns. Brought it to the dealer and was advised the Torque sensor is bad. GM part# 19209158. NO longer available. So I got a complete steering column used and pulled mine out, replaced the torque sensor (Its the lower half of the column where the motor attaches.) I also replaced the motor with new GM unit and the steering rack in NEW GM as well. When i put it togeher the steering wheel spins to the left and car turns easy left but harder to the right, and if I let go while driving it will veer left so have to hang on to the wheel. I brought it back to the dealer to have them "program" it and they said they tried but only 2008 and newer will talk to the computer. He says it should be plug and play. When i pull the 60a fuse and there is no power steering the car drives straight turns normally but hard as there is no assist. Does anyone know if there is a way as a starting point to "center" the steering and get back to a normal operation? I'd hate to think this pristine HHR would have to be parted out.
thanks!

 

The new steering rack would have been centred and the steering wheel should have been marked for centre when you removed it from the other car. The 2007 sensor really doesn’t make the steering column move just senses when it moves and how far left or right. If you didn’t align the steering rack to the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column, you can line up the wheels nice and straight, then see if the steering wheel is centred or off one way or another. If it’s off centre, disconnect the upper yoke and then gently centre the steering wheel and reconnect the yoke. This should align the steering wheel to the steering wheels.
I would have hoped the alignment guy would have known this , but he might not have the experience.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ng-rack-58948/

 

thanks Ol Blue.. I forgot to mention the steering rack was replaced a month before and was prefessionally aligned. My problems started when I changed out the steering column torque sensor and motor assy. Before I replaced it the car turned perfectly, held a straight track but was wonky on turns above 50 mph like on freeway crossovers. I know the steering torque sensor assy was shot after I got it out the shaft that goes to the steering column was wobbly and i could turn it left and right with two fingers with no resistance. The used replacment one the shaft was solid and you feel a distinct resistance left and right.. I believe this stabilizes the steering in turns.. It was an E ticket ride before. With the fuse pulled and steering only manual, steering wheel is centered and turns evenly left and right. somehow the electronic steering doesnt know what to do... thanks for your help!

 

Before doing the parts bomb did you check the LCA bushings, wheel hubs/bearings and the ball joints, the usual culprits? Have the EPS fuses and wiring been checked?
I have never heard of a torque sensor going bad.
If your car has ESC it is the same as 2008 +.
The hard turning in one direction sounds like installation error. I am assuming you have checked tire pressure.
The shop manual says that you cannot replace just the OSCM or the torque sensor, you must replace the entire column.
The torque sensor only senses the amount of force needed to turn the steering, It has little to do with keeping straight or turning
If there is any malfunction in the EPS the I/P is supposed to warn "PWR STR". You do not mention a CEL so, I guess there were no codes?
The lazy techs should know how to calibrate the EPS with their computer.

If you remove the driver airbag there mark to match up that should point straight up, then make sure the wheel turns the same number of times to the right and left locks. The centering is done at the tie rods not the steering wheel.

Too late now, but are you aware of the extended warranty on the EPS motor and in some cars the PSCM?