Steering issues
03-12-2019, 09:55 PM
#1
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Join Date: 03-12-2019
Location: Alaska
Posts: 31
Steering issues
I've got a 2007 HHR lt 5 speed with the 2.2 that I'm having a really bad steering problem.
A little background. I've had this car for about 2 years. No major issues till this. The problem I'm having is as I'm driving down the road the car suddenly, without warning shifts hard to the left and almost throws me into oncoming traffic then , just as suddenly, it throws me back to the right almost off the road into the ditch like I'm stuck in some really bad ruts on the ice.
I've replaced almost everything on the frontend with the exception of the passenger side CV and the struts. I've done hours of research and still can't track it down. It's not a wobble, shimmy, shake or vibration. Its fairly violent and happens so much that I had to stop driving it. I'd appreciate any help anyone can provide.
A little background. I've had this car for about 2 years. No major issues till this. The problem I'm having is as I'm driving down the road the car suddenly, without warning shifts hard to the left and almost throws me into oncoming traffic then , just as suddenly, it throws me back to the right almost off the road into the ditch like I'm stuck in some really bad ruts on the ice.
I've replaced almost everything on the frontend with the exception of the passenger side CV and the struts. I've done hours of research and still can't track it down. It's not a wobble, shimmy, shake or vibration. Its fairly violent and happens so much that I had to stop driving it. I'd appreciate any help anyone can provide.
03-13-2019, 12:39 AM
#2
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Join Date: 04-09-2006
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Welcome.
Does it happen while braking? Or just at random with steady throttle? How many miles on it now?
Exactly what have you replaced? Saying you replaced "almost everything" is pretty vague.
Have you had a wheel alignment lately? Any recent accidents, even a curb bump, or big potholes?
Does it happen while braking? Or just at random with steady throttle? How many miles on it now?
Exactly what have you replaced? Saying you replaced "almost everything" is pretty vague.
Have you had a wheel alignment lately? Any recent accidents, even a curb bump, or big potholes?
03-13-2019, 07:52 AM
#3
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Join Date: 03-12-2019
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Steering issues
Thanks,
It has 134K on it. Does not happen when I break. When it 1st started happening it only did it when I shifted from 2nd to 3rd, then as a got worse it did it between 3rd and 4th as well. It would also do it when I let off the accelerator. I have replaced both sets of front brakes including roaders, Inner and outter tie rods, steering rack and pinion, both lower control arms with ball joints, both hub assemblies, both sway bar bushings and brackets, both sway bar links, drivers side CV, had an alignment and I've even tried different tires and wheels. No accidents, although I did just miss kissing a moose by inches a few months ago. This is Alaska so, missing pot holes just isn't possible. Most of them aren't that big though.
It has 134K on it. Does not happen when I break. When it 1st started happening it only did it when I shifted from 2nd to 3rd, then as a got worse it did it between 3rd and 4th as well. It would also do it when I let off the accelerator. I have replaced both sets of front brakes including roaders, Inner and outter tie rods, steering rack and pinion, both lower control arms with ball joints, both hub assemblies, both sway bar bushings and brackets, both sway bar links, drivers side CV, had an alignment and I've even tried different tires and wheels. No accidents, although I did just miss kissing a moose by inches a few months ago. This is Alaska so, missing pot holes just isn't possible. Most of them aren't that big though.
Last edited by C-rad; 03-13-2019 at 11:05 AM.
03-13-2019, 10:22 AM
#6
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Guys, could that be caused by a broken motor or trans mount?
C-rad - that is a lot of money thrown at it so far with no resolve to the problem.- have you taken it to a shop to have the pros take a look at it? What's the history on the car: how long have you owned it, where did you get it from?
C-rad - that is a lot of money thrown at it so far with no resolve to the problem.- have you taken it to a shop to have the pros take a look at it? What's the history on the car: how long have you owned it, where did you get it from?
03-13-2019, 10:46 AM
#7
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Steering issues
No traction control, ABS/break lights have been on for some time (months). I had q wire that broke on the passenger side rear a while back but I fixed that too. I replaced the breaks and hubs (one was humming like a symphony director), also replaced ball joints, control arms, sway bar bushings and links, intermediate steering shaft and tie rods. Pretty much all steering components.
03-13-2019, 10:47 AM
#8
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03-13-2019, 10:50 AM
#9
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Join Date: 03-12-2019
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Steering issues
Guys, could that be caused by a broken motor or trans mount?
C-rad - that is a lot of money thrown at it so far with no resolve to the problem.- have you taken it to a shop to have the pros take a look at it? What's the history on the car: how long have you owned it, where did you get it from?
C-rad - that is a lot of money thrown at it so far with no resolve to the problem.- have you taken it to a shop to have the pros take a look at it? What's the history on the car: how long have you owned it, where did you get it from?
I haven't taken it to anyone yet. I had other issues that replacing the other parts fixed just not this one.
It seems to get worse as I drive more.
I inspected the mounts just after I felt it start and they look intact.
I haven't been able to find a good honest mechanic that will work on cars with sideways motors. Thay all charge an arm and leg and the last 2 got it wrong with my wife's car.
03-13-2019, 11:20 AM
#10
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