Chevy HHR Power Steering Motor Replacement

Confirm the part and repair scope

Typical symptoms of a failing assist motor are heavy steering, assist that cuts in and out, and a power steering warning on the driver information center. Before buying parts, read stored codes with a scan tool that can communicate with the steering module, because codes help separate a motor fault from a sensor, wiring or supply problem. Electric steering draws a lot of current, so test the battery and charging system and inspect the related fuses, grounds and connectors first. Low voltage alone can reduce or disable assist. A clunk, click or looseness felt through the wheel is a different complaint. It usually comes from joint play in the intermediate shaft, tie rods or other steering components, and a new motor will not cure it.

Match the replacement by VIN rather than by model year alone. A 2006 HHR power steering motor replacement may call for a different part than a later vehicle, and suppliers sell either the motor by itself or a complete column assembly with the motor, control module and torque sensor already fitted. Know which one you are buying, because the work and the commissioning steps differ. GM has also issued safety recalls for sudden loss of electric steering assist on several of its small cars, including some HHR model years. Have a dealer check the VIN for open recalls before paying for the repair yourself.

Prepare tools and safe access

Get the factory service information for your model year and read the full procedure before starting. You will typically need sockets, Torx bits, plastic trim tools, a torque wrench and a way to lock the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position. Just as important is a scan tool able to perform the steering system calibration or learn routine after replacement. Many column-mounted systems will not provide normal assist, or will leave warnings active, until the torque sensor and steering position are calibrated. Some replacement units also need software programming.

The steering column carries the driver airbag and its clockspring, so the airbag system must be disabled exactly as the manual describes. That generally means switching the ignition off, disconnecting the negative battery cable and waiting the specified time before unplugging any airbag connectors. Handling these parts carelessly can cause an unintended deployment or a damaged clockspring. If you are not comfortable working around airbag systems or lack the scan tool for calibration, leave this job to a dealer or qualified shop. Most of the work is done inside the cabin. Park on level ground, set the parking brake and point the front wheels straight ahead. If you raise the car for access, use proper vehicle support on jack stands at the specified lift points, never the jack alone.

Remove without avoidable damage

Begin with the wheels centered and the steering wheel locked so it cannot rotate, which keeps the clockspring in its centered position. Remove the lower dash trim and the column covers in the order the manual gives. Then release the electrical connectors to the motor and module gently. These connectors carry high current, and bent pins or broken locks can cause the same loss of assist you are trying to fix.

What follows depends on the part. For a motor-only replacement, the motor unbolts from the column housing. For a complete column, separate the intermediate shaft at the column, then remove the column mounting bolts. Before separating the shaft, mark its position relative to the column shaft so it goes back on the same spline. Support the column instead of letting it hang by the harness, and avoid turning the steering shaft while it is disconnected. Inspect the mounting points for corrosion or damaged threads. The service information also states whether any bolts are single-use and must be replaced.

Install and restore the system

Compare the new part with the old one before fitting it, checking connector positions, mounting tabs and shaft splines. Position the unit on its mounting points with the fasteners started by hand, confirm alignment, then tighten to the fastener specification in the service manual rather than guessing. On a full column, rejoin the intermediate shaft on your marks and install its bolt as specified. Seat every connector fully with the lock engaged, and route the harness clear of moving parts.

Reinstall the trim, reconnect the airbag connectors and reconnect the battery last, following the manual's airbag reactivation procedure. Commissioning comes next: use the scan tool to clear codes and run the calibration or learn procedure specified for the replacement part, plus any required programming. Follow its conditions precisely, such as keeping the steering wheel centered and still while the routine runs.

Check the completed work

With the ignition on, the airbag warning light should go out after its self-test, and the power steering message should no longer appear. Recheck for stored codes. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, turn the wheel slowly from lock to lock. Assist should feel even in both directions, without binding, grinding or sudden changes in effort.

Road test at low speed in a safe area. The steering wheel should sit centered when driving straight, assist should stay consistent, and the wheel should return smoothly after turns. An off-center wheel after replacing a full column usually means the intermediate shaft went back one spline off, which is corrected at that joint, not by adjusting the tie rods. This job does not change ride height or suspension geometry, so a wheel alignment is only needed if a pull or uneven tire wear points to an existing problem. In that case have it set to the manufacturer's specifications.

Further diagnosis is needed if the warning returns, assist drops out intermittently, steering turns heavy at idle, new clunks appear, or the airbag light stays on. Recheck supply voltage, grounds and connector engagement first, then inspect the intermediate shaft and tie rods for play. Do not drive with an airbag warning active without having that system diagnosed.