2007 HHR LS 2.2

Now before people get mad at me for posting about Power Steering problems (which I've seen other threads) let me clarify why I'm posting this.

So my scenario is same as others, I drive for a little bit, it comes on, 'power steering', the wheel becomes hard, nothing different than other posts.

Here is where this thread is a little bit different. I took it to the mechanic and he said I would also need a new 'Steering Column', now is that also part of the thing I have to change when that happens, or is he trying to get some money out of me?

Also I saw how you can change the motor your self, but based on a 1-10 scale (1 being easy) how difficult is it?

First mechanic said for labor, and part (steering motor, and steering column) is $1,530.

Chevy Dealer quoted me (for the same work) at $1,100.

3rd mechanic at $1,000.

Please guys I need answers ASAP, I cant afford $1000 to $1530.

Do I really need a new steering column? i mean before the 'power steering message comes on my steering wheel is just fine.

 

First off to the forum!

Second, it sounds like that mechanic has a degree in B.S.

I'd like to hear their reasoning and diagnostics used to determine why the entire column needs replaced, it's not something that's done unless there's a catastrophic failure in the column itself.

Here's the "How To" thread on replacing the power steering motor, it's a 3-4 on the difficulty scale. Just click the link below....

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/power-steering-motor-replacement-w-pics-31289/

 

Welcome to the site. X2 843de

 

Replace the motor first. The job is a 1-2 and will only take 15-30 minutes. The motor is $114 at most at most dealerships. Then if it happens again then look into replacing the steering column. But I highly doubt that it needs a new column. The original motors were known to be defective and even were recalled in all other cars using the same part numbered motor besides the USA HHR's. Mine went out on me around 65k miles and 10k miles after replacing it, it has yet to do it again.

 

X2 - ya beat me too it 843de - And that first mechanic charging up to 50% more says a lot too.

 

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. I'm going to buy a motor and do it tomorrow. You guys answered exactly what I am looking for, thank you. The reason why I posted this thread is because since I got home I've been searching on the internet about this 'steering motor' problems', and sure enough it seemed pretty common, saw it over and over again.

One thing I didnt see at ALL, even on chevyhhr.net is the need to replace the 'column', thats why it sounded super fishy to me.

Again thank you guys so much, I will update you my process tomorrow.

Had HHR for 2 weeks, so far so good, loving it, so cozy, and surprisingly a lot of power for 2.2.

 

I have seen "replace the column" buried in a few threads, but I never heard a reason. There is a bearing that might go bad or a universal joint that might go bad, but mostly it's near sighted mechanics that think they are working on a PT Cruiser.

 

Thanks for ur reply, when you say 1-2 on a scale of 10, is this for someone who isnt much of a 'car guy', or DIYer? I'm pretty good at figuring things out but never have I changed a part like this in a car. so 1-2 for an expert or someone like myself?

 

Thanks for ur reply, when you say 1-2 on a scale of 10, is this for someone who isnt much of a 'car guy', or DIYer? I'm pretty good at figuring things out but never have I changed a part like this in a car. so 1-2 for an expert or someone like myself?

 

For an experienced tech/shadetree mechanic/DIY person it's a 1-2 on the pain in the butt scale.

If you've never worked up under a dash before, with the assorted contortions required, it's a 3-4.

The important thing is to take your time.