Hey guys, I dont post alot and have been searching for a resolution to my problem. The problem is thast when I am driving, most of the time the wheel is constantly turned to the left a small amount even when I am driving straight. The steering wheel sometimes is a pain to keep consistent. Its not a huge problem but its only a two year old vehicle and I really dont abuse it because it's a lil 2.2 LT. Heres kinda of the last few events that have happened to try and fix the issue.

1. Noticed a clunking in front end, took to dealership where they replaced the control arm bushings, they had to do an alignment and i got the car back and this all started.
2. Drove it like this til my next oil change when I took it in and got this looked at where they told me that they would put it back on the machine and check everything. Got the car back, still had the problem.
3. Drove it about another 2000 miles and took it to the dealership, around this time I got a nail in my front left tire. They blamed the steering issue to a low tire. Where they said the valve stem on the tire was shot, got it replaced, said nothing about the nail. I parked in a puddle the same day i brought it home and noticed that there was water bubbling around part of the tire, noticed it and took it to a tire shop to get it plugged.
4. Tire was still going low so I replaced the front tires with a new set of General Altimax RTs
5. Had all the tires balanced and rotated side to side and I am still seeing this steering issue. Although I should say that steering has gotten tighter easier to keep consistent.

What do you think? I feel like im the crazy one.

06 Cobalt LT
24000 Miles
No Modifications

Thanks for your help guys!

 

I just wanted to follow up if this may help someone but the dealer replaced the steering column assembly and the rattling problem @ low speeds wetn away and the side to side balance has dramatically improved. There is a bulletin for this.

 

what all was replaced on the column?

 

The Work order says Steering Column Kit. Its seems like some type of springs and belts.

 

ok i'll have to check into that. my car isnt under warranty anymore so i'll end up havin to pay out the ass to get this done or do it myself.

 

I got the exact same problem man, had the clunking, got the bushings replaced and ever since my wheel has been crooked, altho tire wear seems to be normal and it drives straight as an arrow with my hand off the wheel. So its not out of alignment, just the sterring wheel is messed. I'm prolly going to get an alignment done soon at the dealership and keep complaining til they get the wheel straight while my car is still under warrenty.

 

has anyone had a problem burning through control arm bushings? I had my third replaced today. Symptons above still apply, had bushing replaced completely gone.

 

There is a TSB for the steering shaft. It can cause clunking while turning at slow speeds. After mine was replaced, I also have to tilt the wheel just a bit left for the car to go stright.

 

i am having the "clunking" noise happen to me as well. i just bought my '05 cobalt SS/SC, and when i took it to the dealership to have it looked at they told me it was my end links. but ive heard here its either steering column, or bushings. WTF this is sooooo annoying. doesnt sound like anyone has a definate answer.

 

i also wanted to mention that the dealer admitted that the toe was off, the last alignment the dealer did when i had my bushing replaced last time. ugh, make sure your dealer gives you the alignment report.