I ordered a replacement shaft HHR Steering Column-Intermediate Shaft 25834100 2 weeks ago, yesterday I went thru the pain of having my buddy follow my directions to swap out the original, turns out the yoke at the steering rack double D end is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 inches short and the other splined end just barely touches the end of the splined stub of the power steering motor.
Anybody have any input here to resolve this issue is there something I'm missing? I can't get down and dirty here just have to go by my buddy's explaination

 

Not having done one of these, let me take a guess.

The intermediate shaft is the collapsible(or telescopic) part of the column ? If so, was it shipped in the fully collapsed position.

Many years ago I ran into this when replacing a steering column with a junkyard unit. I thought I had the wrong one(too short) until one of my coworkers pointed out the problem.

 

Notice the length of the yoke in the new part in post one and this picture of original part
I did test the telescopic action but it wasn't the problem.

 

Yeah. The bottom end on mine looks like your second picture.

Sorry, I got nothing else I can add.

 

I have contacted the E-Bay vendor they are refunding the cost and have sent a return label.
I had to source another part at my GM dealer here,

 

so where is safe place to buy this steering shaft. i am afraid i need it soon and returning parts from over here (europe) can be real PIA...

on other discussion was mentioned gmpartsdirect and part number 25834100. I suppose thats ok vendor.
i have previously bought all from rockauto since they can charge the customs tax nice and easy and parts get straight to my home door.

 

That is the correct P/N see if Rockauto stocks and will ship it! My issue was with the wrong part in the correct box , it happens!

 

how does the Need-to-change this shaft occur -meaning how one tells if its shot?
I have replaced the stabilizer bushing-rubbers with greasable because of front end clunks- but now i am having really irritating -sort of like metal-to metal sound squeeking in deep bumps. tried to grease those bushings but that does not seem to help to this...

 

Jaime the bottom yoke universal joint was sloppy loose,
For your metal to metal check your sway bar end links, they may be contacting the LCA.
Double check the torque on the rear LCA bolt.
Have a close look at your LCA rear bushing it may be the problem.
Which sway bar bushings did you get 25mm ? Some early HHR's had a 23mm bar.

 

If your end links are 12 inches center to center, they will be banging on the LCAs.