A Problem i have noticed with cobalts
 

I have expirenced a poping noise in the steering column
while going over bumps with the wheels turned left or steering lock to lock

it is like a thud in the steering wheel

heres what the problem is:

the U joint on the intermediate shaft that comes out of the rack becomes bound when turned almost all the way the the left

the bound up joint pops when a bump or simething is encountered and the shaft moves and deflects

heres what i mean
dealer put on a new set of endlinks
but when you lube (DO NOT USE PETROLEUM STUFF,WILL DESTRY RUBBER IN JOINT)
the u joint the noise goes away
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...4/CAM_0552.JPG
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...4/CAM_0551.JPG
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...4/CAM_0550.JPG
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...4/CAM_0590.JPG
https://www.cobaltss.net/gallery/fil...4/CAM_0587.JPG
that is my tool box!

the shop i work at also services about 1000 enterprise rentals a month
5 diff base cobalts have made the noise, the other three SS i have drove made the noise
thes Ujoint on the intermediate shaft just needs to be bigger, likee off a silverado or something

I have always wondered about that noise, havent experienced it for a long time but thanks for the info if it ever comes up again.

I took mine into the dealer with that problem and they ordered a whole new steering column kit and put it in and now i don't get it anymore. This was back in September

see thats what i need

do you know the steering column part #?
it should be on the reciept

Ive brought mine in twice and they tell me its all in my head

it might have been changed from 05 to 06 i dont have the problem.

i took it in b4 and they put new stabilizer end links in front
i told them, and gave them a tsb # for replacement and it was overlooked
im goin to see how hard it would be to get a warranty adjuster out to my shop to authorize this be repaired by Firestone instead of dealer

which means GM would have to pay my shop to fix my own car, while i am on the clock getting paid for it

but hey it has worked b4

nice tool box. i've got the same one. i didn't feel like speding ten times more on a mac or snap on. it does the trick quite nicely.

werd, i can go to any sears and get my shit replaced at any mall
the snap on guy doesnt even come buy anymore so i can pay him
and the mac guy is an asshole

im trying to find the TSB # as well

Yea no problem.. Sorry i didnt get back to ya sooner! Shaft Kit part number is 10394225

GM parts direct shows, $71
plus by looking at it needs bout 1.3 hours install

ill see if the dealer will reinburse me b4 i do it

The dealer just changed the stearing shaft for me once..... It's doing it again, so they told me if it gets worse... They'll bring someone down from Chevy to take a look at it. Maybe the plant can do something about changing the way that part is made or something... (( Something like that! ))

i have the base cobalt model and everytime i go over a bump the steering wheel becomes loose feeling if anyone knows what that means. It feels like there is play in the steering wheel when hitting bumps. But during regular driving it feels find?

what your are feeling is what i am talking about, this ujoint gives aot of play when turning, thanks for telling me that prob still continues after new joint

so this can't be fixed?

not w/o a reengineered steering shaft

Well i too am the next victim of the "steering column plague" took my car in to get a clunk looked at, check brakes shit like that...they call me back later and tell me they have to replace the steering column....WTF? thats the last thing i expected to be wrong...getting more info today ill keep ya posted....!

did they find it to be popping?? they told me prob not detected
im a tech and figured it out, why cant theyre overpaid people do it

So, is there a TSB number for this problem? I just noticed a rapid popping noise when turned sharp at slow speeds tonite... I also noticed that ever since I got this thing back from the shop the other day it's been really easy to steer at slow speeds... it usually takes two hands and some effort to turn the wheel when I'm stopped.

This what y'all are talking about?

i had mine replaced about four mounths ago and it is doing it again this time thay said it was the upper strut mount?

i got to pay attention now and see if i hear anything thanks for the input!

Yes, there is a TSB on this. It is to replace the steering intermediate shaft, not the whole column. If anyone has had this "clunk" come back after words, it's not uncommon. We have been dealing with this problem in just about every vehicle. Trucks, SUVs, Montis, Impalas, etc. One time we are told to replace shafts next we're told to remove and relubricate. The problem seems to be the manufaturer that is making these shafts for GM is just not getting them right. If you have this problem or the problem has reoccured, go back to the dealer and they will do what's needed, but it may come back eventually.

well they did shaft and now going to do sterring kit whatever that means

Me neither. '06 ls.

Here's the TSB though

Make : CHEVROLET Model : COBALT Year : 2006
Manufacturer : GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Service Bulletin Num : 3687 Date of Bulletin: JAN 01, 1901
NHTSA Item Number: 10016948
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary:
CLUNK NOISE FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE DURING TURNING MANEUVER. *SC
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...0&summary=true