I've searched an read for hours. I know about the extended warranty on the EPS. Just don't know if that is the issue. Maybe I'm searching the wrong problem.

I have no codes or message displayed. When I turn the steering wheel past 90 degrees, either way, it doesn't want to come back on it's own. Normally you could let go of the wheel and it would spin right back straight. Now you have to return it back to center. When turning it back it feels like there is no power steering. Once back to center it feels "normal" again. This only happens at slow speed as the wheel never turns that far once you're going. On the first two corners in the morning. The wheel jerks like you need power steering fluid in an old system. Only until it reaches 90 degrees, then it clears up, until it hits that point coming back.

Is this the early onset of the EPS failing, I could not find anyone else with these symptoms? Being that the "power steering" message is not lit would it fall under the extended warranty, or if I take it in will I be paying diagnostic fees?
If someone has a suggestion of where else to look please speak up.
Thanks!

2006 HHR LT

 

Yes it falls under the extended warranty.

 

Thanks whopper.

 

Just for curiosity, check the fuse for the power steering assist. See if it's blown.

 

Both PS fuses are good. Underhood and kick panel.
Sorry should of been in the original post.

 

They may not replace it under the extended warranty until it totally fails and throws a code. I guess that would depend on the dealer, but they would have to verify total failure to GM to get paid for the job, I believe.

 

Doesn't sound like the motor to me. No mention of extra effort required. And it is worse when cold.

 

It could be the intermediate steering shaft, the engine bay end u joint seized up.

 

Did this problem happen overnight, or did it get progressively worse as time went on?

 

"When turning it back it feels like there is no power steering."