First off thanks to dbarberaz for posting the TSB's. They are a great weapon at dealerships. I have a '06 HHR purchased 10/05, that developed the steering rattle. Annoying to say the least especially because of it's random behavior. Well the first trip to the original dealer solved nothing (they didn't even post it in the computer system, cause they said "there was nothing wrong"). Onto the next dealership (and obviously one that cares). They took my suggestion about the intermediate steering shaft (thanks d), and replaced it. I actually got a call from them and to my surprise they said they wanted to keep it another day b'cuz they still could feel a rattle. I told them to have at guys (they gave a '07 Trailblazer as a loaner). They first diagnosed it as the front left strut (see robado thread), so they replaced them both. Alas to no avail the sound and feel was still there. GM techs conference called the dealer on the problem and said they have had to replace around 10 steering clusters at the bottom of the intermediate shaft because of the same problem. Back ordered parts are in HHR goes in Monday evening 10/06. Hopefully problem will be solved. I'll let you know.

 

to the forum.

Good luck on hopefully having the problem solved. Please let us know how things go.

 

Well it's almost 3 pm cst and they replaced therack but alas a new sound has arisen. So I don't knowif I'll get it back today.
Ray

 

Alright folks here is the rundown on the steering noises. First the intermediate shaft was replaced per TSB, Then the steering rack was replaced. Now and hopefully last the steering column was replaced. Two new tires and and a new steering wheel would get me a whole new system. . I should be getting it back today. I'll road test it this weekend. A quick trip to Huntingdon, PA and back will do that. Hope this helps y'all.
Ray

 

My wifes HHR is going in on Tuesday to replace a steering gear?... Had to wait a week to get the part in. The problem was just like the TSB but getting worse. I really hope this fixes it the first time. Only 3000 km on her HHR.

Hope you get your problems sorted out!

 

I had the same thing. They replaced the intermediate shaft and it didn't change anything. Then they replaced the entire rack and pinion assm and that didn't change anything either. I never got around to going back for the actual steering column replacement, don't know if it would have helped anyways.

 

Hi Folks,
Well I took a 1400 mile road trip this weekend to Pennsylvania and am glad to report that I do believe the problem has been solved. The dealership I went to needs to be commended on their perseverence in resolving the problem. The service manager even made the remark that "two tires and a new steering wheel and I would have has a new front end". Also, four adults, luggage and assorted items and I still got 26-30 MPG going 75 MPH. I think that is pretty satisfactory especially through the mountains of PA.
Peace Out, Ray

 

Fritch have them check the struts. I was told it has become a common issue on HHR's. Ray

 

Glad to hear it is fixed. Sounds like it was quite an experience.

 

haha man wish I could, but my warranty is looooong over now