Bunky

I just picked up a 07 HHR LT and it has a lot of miles on it. I have a issue with the steering it appears to be stiff and doesn't like to return like it should when taking a curve etc. Also when doing the front brakes I noticed that it is stiff until you get almost to the endof its travel then its goes easy?

I don't have any indication in the dash that the power steering is disabled.

Does this sound like a bad power steering motor or a rack and pinion issue?

donbrew

First, check the power steering fuse. It is pretty common that somebody jump started the car incorrectly and blew the fuse.

Normally, you would have a too much play or noise from a bad rack & pinion, and they don't go bad very often.

Use the search box at the top of the page, there is a how to replace your power steering motor. It is easy and relatively cheap.

Bunky

Well I checked the fuses inside and under the Hood and both checked out good

So now I guess I will check the motor.
But like I said. I don't have any message indicating the power steering is disabled

843de

I'm leaning towards suspecting the rack, they can get sloppy and noisy as Don pointed out. But they can also bind up as they fail, especially if one of the boots is torn and the lube has leaked out.

Unfortunately a failing rack can take out the power steering motor by overworking it and causing it to overheat.

Your best bet would be to get it up on a rack to check out all the suspension components, you might even be dealing with a failed upper strut mount.

donbrew

I am purely guessing that if a boot is dislodged there may be damage inside the rack. But, maybe somebody replaced the tie rod end and botched the job, they may be a bit tricky getting them seated. I have only glanced at the procedure, never done it myself.

You would not necessarily get a warning on your dash.

Did you look at the universal joint where the intermediate shaft connects to the column?

843de

Didn't consider a column bind Don, another thing to check.

They key thing Bunky is to get things checked out very soon, steering binds are serious safety issues.

Bunky

Thanks Guys for the replies, I have did a little more checking and have come to the conclusion the Rack is Bad, so I will be replacing that this weekend

843de

Let us know how you make out, take some pics if you can, not too many HHR's have needed their racks changed out yet.

Bunky

Well the change of the rack is complete, everything went smooth and only a little
over 2 hours. The original rack was so stiff you couldn't turn by hand

Thanks for all the help everyone

cj krause

there is a electric motor under the dash by colummn
PITA to remove and put in but solves the problem quite nicely
1585 6597
http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_kw...STEERING+MOTOR