Chevy HHR Intermediate Steering Shaft Replace

This Chevy HHR Intermediate Steering Shaft is replaced in this video. It is a u-joint shaft that is connected to the rack and pinion on one end, and the steering column on the other.
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[@susiebakeoven1377]

Thank you for the video. It helps when I change my Steering Shaft.

[@Scott-zc3iy]

I fixed this noise with 12 wooden toothpicks and never removing anything. The noise is from the part of the steering column that slides in and out of itself and there is a slight gap and tolerance that grows over time from use... From factory it has a little dimple pressed into the metal sleeve that crimps it tight to the inner sleeve... I just shoved in about a dozen toothpicks into the gap between the 2 columns that slide in and out of each other. No more noise, smooth and quite as new.

[@SteveAZ711]

That is probably the least expensive repair I have ever heard. Plastic prob better than wood.

[@crockett159]

I looked at another video. It may be the motor mounts for clunking while driving. Yeah, probably rack and pinion in your case, because the sound when you turn the steering wheel.

[@SteveAZ711]

Thanks, I checked the mounts. The noise is coming from the column. I am tracking it down albeit slowly.

[@CoRoy-G]

In one of the comments he replied saying he reinstalled a new one and the major noise was gone. It was an installation issue.

[@jonathanzaragoza4678]

Can someone please tell me where I can find the piece at 7:55 or the name of the piece, I really need since the mechanic accidentally threw it out and now I hear so many engine noises if anyone can help me out I’d really appreciate it

[@SteveAZ711]

2006-11 Chevrolet HHR Under Dash Knee Bolster Panel OEM#22733280 they are on Ebay

[@jimmyflowers6597]

It's the electric gearbox the shaft that comes out of the electric gearbox has a plastic bushing and it lets that just wiggle around and make noise

[@SteveAZ711]

Thanks sounds reasonable.

[@vynxent6913]

Did you ever fixed the clanking problem? My HHR is doing the same thing as well as gradually getting hard to steer. Eletrical pump was changed but it didnt fix the second problem. Thanks for the vid.

[@SteveAZ711]

Not yet. I have been tied up with getting another vehicle going. I have gotten 3 steering columns for parts and the one that is closest to mine came with the connections smashed. However, I hope to start on it again soon.

[@vynxent6913]

@@SteveAZ711 Thanks for the reply. Give me an update whenever you get around doing it. I'm thinking about putting a new shaft and see if it fixes the hard steering. And maybe a new Column and see if that fixes the clanking. Thank you so much for the vids. :)

[@crockett159]

Steve, I've got a 2006 Chevy hhr. Was the actual problem the rack and pinion or the little box attached to the steering wheel? I have a jungle coming from the box or steering wheel column but can't tell which one it is

[@SteveAZ711]

The Steering column still has some slop in it and I have not addressed that issue yet. It may be the motor or the column and I am not sure yet. The steering rack assembly was bad on the right side more than the left and that was most of my trouble. As far as the box goes...I believe it had some slop in it as well.So I actually had two issues causing me to have sloppy noisy steering. I replaced the complete rack assy rather than try to rebuild it. That way I got all new parts everywhere from the steering shaft all the way to wheel hubs.

[@crockett159]

@@SteveAZ711 when you find out please let me know.

[@MrDasource411]

Am having the same problem right now

[@crockett159]

@@SteveAZ711 Steve, did you find the problem to the clunking in the steering? I whenever I drive over bumps I get that "something's loose in here" sound. Changed brakes and all that other stuff so I guess it's the same problem as your car

[@SteveAZ711]

@@crockett159 It is more of a clicking than a clunk, and no not yet I am still tracking it down. I just replaced the steering motor (upcoming video) in hopes that was it. It wasn't, but oh Boy does the power steering feel Very Nice as compared to what it was. I am almost sure that the clicking is coming from the gearing that the motor attaches to. So I will have to drop the column or maybe even remove it to find out. The blower motor just now stuck itself on HIGH as if I don't have other things to get to on my $400 HHR(333,740 miles) Money Pit. Stay Tuned!

[@PappysCorner]

Good job with the change out.!! This would of been perfect if it fixed the play problem, nice try, you were brave to do this. Good luck buddy... it's probably a worn gear or rack... dang it Steve it may be both.!!

[@SteveAZ711]

Sometimes steering issues are difficult to find. I went the lowest cost first. I really do not like substitution repair, but after 333740 miles I can rest assured this repair will not be needed again for a long time.

[@lawlor2925]

@@SteveAZ711 4 years too late but if u used cheap brand that could he why noice ain't gone

[@jonathanzaragoza4678]

Can someone please tell me the panel thats on the thumbnail :( I really need to know the name so I can order the piece for my HHR

[@SteveAZ711]

Check this link out on Ebay... www.ebay.com/itm/264993778401?epid=1933251345&hash=item3db2dc2ae1:g:0csAAOSwQOdf6z99

[@garyesada5766]

How could it be bad? Everything looks brand new. My U joint and shaft is very rusty.

[@SteveAZ711]

My HHR lived most of its life on a washboard dirt road. The previous owner almost drove it into the ground. The steering and suspension was is very bad shape, but the body was still very good. New parts look good but can fail just as easily. So one can not go by looks in some cases. I am happy I found this HHR and saved it from the wrecking yard. Thanks!

[@sirsweetness8332]

Did you buy GM part number (ending in 100). or Dorman? 425-189

[@SteveAZ711]

Pretty sure I used a GM ending in 100.

[@sirsweetness8332]

@@SteveAZ711 Thank you for the quick reply

[@mudnut59]

Great instructional video, Too bad it didn't fix your sloppy steering, Good luck with it!

[@SteveAZ711]

Thanks Mudnut59. There is actually two different noises and most likely from two different parts. The solution to at least one noise should be forthcoming in another video.

[@mudnut59]

@@SteveAZ711 Great to hear, I’ll watch for it!

[@trazy38]

@@SteveAZ711 its the steering rack, swaybar links or controlarm bolt cage on top came loose

[@Scott-zc3iy]

@@trazy38 how would you go about diagnosing which one? I have the Same noise…

[@hectorfernando7897]

do you need to reprogram after installing it? I changed it and the truck went crazy

[@SteveAZ711]

Not to my knowledge. It is just a mechanical replacement.

[@creedux]

I just replaced the steering shaft in my 09. Did the exact same procedure as you did in your video. Took the car out for a test drive and now when I turn the steering wheel left and right ( when the car is parked ) there is a clicking sound ? It didn't make that noise before with the old worn out shaft. Any thoughts ? It sounds like it's coming from the rack and pinion.

[@SteveAZ711]

Might just be the tie rod ends. Not sure.

[@creedux]

@@SteveAZ711 new ac delco inner tie rods were installed 3 days ago and there is no play in the outer tie rods. All I can think of is either there's maybe a defect in the u-joint above the rack and pinion or the rack and pinion itself is no good.

[@SteveAZ711]

@@creedux Put your hand or fingers on the u-joint under the dash and move the steering wheel back and forth to try to get a feel if the clicking is below towards the rack or more towards column. Maybe you can narrow the area down some.

[@creedux]

@@SteveAZ711 I did the night I posted my first comment. I can feel a small amount of vibration from the joint under the dash and roughly the same amount of vibration from the joint above the rack. I'll get someone to turn the steering wheel left and right and I'll put my hand on the rack assembly to try and isolate the problem. I'll keep you posted on what I find.

[@OP-ik7qb]

Chris L did you find the issue?

[@edwincamaro13]

Did U ever find out what the problem was ?

[@SteveAZ711]

Yes, it was my installation of the intermediate shaft. I had the little bearings compressed with all the prying I was doing to install it. I replaced it with another new shaft and now the major noise is gone. I believe what I may hear now is the clock spring. Wife says I hear too much.

[@Scott-zc3iy]

@@SteveAZ711 I will try this too then for my 09 has the same noise.

[@christorres878]

Did you find out what was the problem

[@SteveAZ711]

Yes. In the Column (2 pieces). When the weather turns better I will be getting back to it. For now though I do not want to immobilize the H for what may or may not be a time consuming adventure, and I am focusing on other needed repairs while the H is still driveable. Changing the Steering Motor helped a lot, but didn't get rid of it altogether.

[@brianhoyt2469]

@@SteveAZ711 I’m having this same issue and my mechanic suspects the same things you did initially as well but no luck. What was replaced to correct this and what part numbers?

[@mtbikemike1]

HHR stands for: Has History of Rattles

[@creedux]

Hill-billy Hot Rod

[@MissouriOldTimer]

I'm gettin to where I don't like messing with cars, everything is so jammed in there that I don't have room to work.

[@SteveAZ711]

When I was younger, smarter?, and thinner there seemed to be lots of room to work and there was. Those were the cars of the 50's and 60's. These newer models seem to be a test of isometric exercise and yoga combined. I think it is planned to put the repair work back in the hands of the dealerships, in addition to saving costs.

[@salsa29erlove]

My car wanders at higher speed its only got 120,000 on it

[@salsa29erlove]

It's an 07 hhr

[@SteveAZ711]

It might be an idler arm issue. Raise the front with both tires off the ground, Safely. Hold left side tire by the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and pull, push the tire from side to side. listen and feel for looseness. You may be able to see slop in the steering if you have a helper, or you can use your phone to record what it sees. If you do not fell confident at this, then the easiest way it to take it to a tire shop that also does alignment and have it checked.

[@salsa29erlove]

@@SteveAZ711 thank u so much I will try that. Car was given to me so guess I might as well take time to do it right. Car runs great just silly steering issue. I hope to get as many miles out of this with gas prices as high as they are Thanks again

[@HeritageCraftsKnowledgeReposit]

Nice! Thanks!

[@shiketaross4462]

Mines just broke

[@SteveAZ711]

I feel the same way after leaving a casino.