When I'm parked, if I turn the wheel back and forth, it clunks horribly and feels disconnected from the road.

Any ideas? I thought it was the intermediate shaft but I replaced that and it fixed nothing.

Help! Thanks guys.

 

In for replies! I've got the same issue. Drives me crazy when I go over bumps.

 

I might try replacing the strut mounts when the weather gets warmer and see if that helps. We had a harsh winter here in upstate NY, the roads are just awful.

 

any recent work done?

 

Clutch, did it before though.

 

Sounds like the intermediate shaft thing on the steering rack assembly. They're known to do that in these cars.

 

Please read before posting. Thanks

 

Lmao. Maybe you got a bad one. Maybe it went out again. That's the biggest reason that the steering makes the clunking noise, from what I've seen. So when you ask for help diagnosing a problem, expect to get the most common problem as an answer. Thanks.

 

Ok thanks for the big helping hand.

 

I know this isnt a solution, But I once talked to an experienced Chevy service center rep about this issue as I have had it since the car was new. I get a "clunk'' up and down the steering column on almost every turn.

He told me that what I think he called the "steering pump" on these cars is junk. He said normal driving is usually not a problem. But heavy steering can cause major problems or even failure. He said he feels sorry for anyone taking a drivers ed class with these cars. I think he mentioned that the Cobalt Steering column recall would fix some of the issue though. And that they seemed to improve the design after 09-10. If you haven't already done so already, you might want to check out the recall info and get yours replaced. Its free anyway and could solve the issue. Or you could talk to a tech at one of the service centers to see if he notices anything strange when hes got it opened up.

 

There's a recall on the steering column? Any more info on that? I've never heard of one nor have I received anything from GM in the mail.

 

I hit up customer service the other day and apparently my 2007 SS/NA has no existing recalls other than the most recent one on the ignition.

I call bullshit. If someone else can get their steering clunk replaced under recall, how come my steering clunk can't be replaced?

 

Some of the cars have an update for the steering assist motor, the electric unit under the steering column. It starts to not assist when the car isn't moving and do other strange things. If that unit has slop in it it will give you that clunky feeling you are talking about.

Also, i'm assuming you checked the front suspension? Tie rod ends and CABs in good shape?

 

As for front suspension parts, I've look at the cabs, they are still in one piece. Struts appear solid without any movement other than shock motion, tie rod ends are still together ans grease packed. The sway bar endlinks are together and tight on both sides.

I haven't have someone turn my wheel back and fourth while I'm under my car to try and locate the noise, that's the next step.

 

I think it's the power steering motor I had replaced under the recall. I wonder if they used the right one - isn't there a special one for the SS models?

Going to replace strut mounts in the spring and see if that helps with the clunking over bumps. Sway bar links and everything else looks good.

 

The power steering recall ranges from 05-10 so if a rep says there is no recall, then they are BSing you. It was in the news and you can still find a ton of articles on the net about it.

If you know how/what/where to ask, you can pretty much get anything fixed. Iv even brought in TSBs to the dealer saying that Id like to see if my car qualifies to get fixed. They should not hesitate because its free reimbursement from Chevy to fix it. The rep used to ask me "was there ANYTHING else you noticed?" I got the "fuel leak" issue fixed under TSB with 88k miles on my car because I asked about it. If I just walked in there asking them to look at it im sure they would have charged me.

 

I'll do that then. I'll print out the TSBs on our cars and anything that has to do with my year cobalt, I'll point it out to them.

 

TSB's are only useful if your car is under warranty. Otherwise you'll have to pay for those repairs. FYI

 

Checked everything today when changing the trans fluid.

Everything in the wheel wells looks good. The clunk is coming from inside the car it seems.

Worn out p/s motor?

 

Most likely, yes. Does it sound like it's right below the steering wheel?

The power assist motor for the steering is a big electric unit, looks like a starter, under the steering column in the car. They can get sloppy with age.

 

Yes, that's exactly where the noise is coming from.

 

I'm curious as well. I replaced my steering shaft and all was good for a few days but now it's making the noise agian.

 

There is a GM technical service bulletin on this somewhere. I think they only labeled a select few years and months as vehicles that will get free replacement parts. I'd have to dig around the forums to find it.

I also suffer the same light steering wheel clunk. It's so obnoxious when slowly driving over rough road. Ocassionally while braking my wheel will move left to right slightly and the rattle is nearly unbearable lol.

 

Replace the steering assist unit, the internal gearing is probably worn out.