Steering column clunk
 

I took my car in last month before my warranty expired. One of my complaints was an occassional clunk from something in the front when I went over a bump. They had to order the part and I have not had it installed yet, so I do not know exactly what it is, but they said something like the steering column. Do we even have one, with the servo steering that is in our cars? Did they mean the steering box, or bushings? Anybody else have this problem?

Man, you sure have a lot of problems, Lee.

You do have a steering column....how else would the vehicle turn beyond the steering wheel. Part of it is under the dash, which is connected to the electrical assisted power steering apparatus. Then a shaft exits thru the firewall into the engine compartment. It joins another shaft, by a "knuckle", which goes to the rack and pinon.

I know of a friend who had complained of a similar noise and heavy greased/oiled the knuckle. The "clunk" disappeared. You might consider this...it costs nothing.:thumb:

My dealer already has the parts and it is covered by the warranty.

Another problem which I hope they will fix is that the armrest on the drivers door cracked a few days after I took the car in for its last warranty work. I explained that I forgot to tell them that it looked like it was breaking, and obviously it didnt suddenly crack after I brought it in. He said he understood and would see what he could do for me.

And dont forget I still have the problem with the T/C code. Funny thing is that when it is lit, I still have my ABS brakes. Actually, I wish I could just leave it disabled without the car shifting rough. I dont really need the T/C, nor do I want it. But I dont like when the car shifts rough, especially when I go to backup and it clunks into reverse.

Aside from the above, and the battery being bad (finally replaced by the dealer) and the common front rotor problem, the car has been great. No-I am not being sarcastic. I am overall very happy with the HHR. The code problem began when I modified the car, so it is my doing (although there should be more latitude in the factory settings to allow for these small variations). The springs falling out is due to my replacing the factory ones, so that is also my responsibility. The brakes are cheap, but now they are replaced by me and fine. Battery was defective and took a while to convince my dealer that it was not due to my aftermarket stereo, but now it is replaced and working fine. The waterleak has to be found.

Lee if you do a search you will see a lot of guys have had a steering column fail on the HHR. Usually the symptom is a clunking noise.

Mine is doing that but there will be no warranty repair for me

That would be my noise. If it is common, why no recall?

I think there is a TSB on it. You could ask Chevy Manager!

How do you get warranty when your odo is at 60,000?

Over the Hill Warranty Club member

Extended Warranty Maybe?

Accordin to the Service Manual, can be a number of things: 1) Steering column mounting fasteners 2) Loose SIR/SRS coil 3) Loose lock plate retaining ring 4)worn upper and lower bearings 5) Tilt joint lubrication 6) Intermediate shaft worn.

Man I want one of those S.M. manuals!!!! Oh yea and some money to pay for it.

Easy now! Not everyone is as smart as you. I'm thinking this person at least might be thinking that the HHR might be "steer by wire." There are some cars out there that are SBW, so maybe his (or her) question was honest. We must respect everyone.

Just to add to the steering thought, I went to my local GM dealer and spoke with a service writer about this clunking steering thing and even GM doesn't have an answer. They have made some attempts to fix it, but have had no luck. All he says is not to worry about it; the steering will not fail. I'm going to try your lube thing. Outside of that, I'm going to dig in and find the problem.

Uhh. It's a 7 year old thread. No need to call anybody out on something that was resolved many,many years ago.

Steer by wire ? Haven't seen that set up on an automobile yet. Maybe you could enlighten us with a little info.

As far as the clunking steering issues. Maybe your local dealer doesn't know the answer, but this website does. Lots of discussions and fixes have been posted over the years. Our good members here have pretty much solved that issue and posted the numerous findings.

Thanks Fireman......

I'll mark this X2 (times 2) since you asked and answered exactly everything I was going to say.

But for twr4d.....because you are relatively new to this forum.....

My first line statement was a simple comment. Lee HAS HAD a lot of problems with his car, if you care to research his other posts.

The explanation was a simple outline of the operating parts of our steering system, since he did ask the question.

Your apology for your mistake is accepted:D

Grease a steering knuckle? You mean like a 1969 VW?

Following the right link in my sig will help you diagnose and repair your steering. It's a TSB so odd that a service writer would be of no help (they won't ever look for TSBs, "that's not my job" I was told).

This one:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-pop-s-50648/?

I've lived the slide area of the intermediate shaft, the u joint in the lower knuckle is sealed and not serviceable, steer by wire could be a confusion of the electric power assist motor.