Intermediate shaft has been known to go bad on these because the universal joint doesn't have a grease fitting if you use two people put one hand on the universal joint under the hood and the other person turn the wheel you may be able to feel the slop in the joint it's replaceable and you can do it cost about a hundred bucks
yes I’m aware of that. that is the first thing we are going to change. I actually found an older thread on this where people have changed this steering shaft/U joint frequently. One guy actually cut a section of a bicycle inner tube and zip tied it over the ball joint. Then he injected grease into it to protect it from the elements.
But I’m also aware that the steering column had a very bad design with a plastic part in the gear assembly. In the event that the intermediate shaft does not completely eliminate the problem Plan B may be the steering column
I’ve been on the computer for a few hours trying to find a new steering column for this vehicle. Is there anyone that still supplies them?
i’m also going to check the pinion gear when I pull the intermediate shaft off. I want to see if there’s any slop or play in the pinion gear.
Typo: He put a bicycle inner tube section over the U joint at the bottom of the intermediate steering shaft Then he filled it with grease using a syringe
I did the inner tube dust cover for the I-shaft u-joint, and it works great. Thanks for the reference. Glad you found it.
You may wish to support the front end with both wheels off of the ground and check for grinding from an unloaded position.
While possible, I would be surprised if your steering column needs replaced.
If you are industrious, you could just disconnect the steering shaft from the rack and feel for grinding eliminating many components.
Yes I found your bicycle tire inner tube reference. I think it’s a great idea! I’ve done a lot of research on this vehicle. It seems that these cobalts have been plagued with various problems. I am aware that the steering column may need to be changed. I will also check the pinion shaft end for any “play/slop” when we disconnect the intermediate steering shaft assembly .
While doing more research online I stumbled across a thread and then a video of someone replacing the two bushings on the sway bar itself . We have already replaced the sway bar end links. Has anyone found some of these front end clunking am other sounds to be as a result of the sway bar bushings?
We will be changing the intermediate steering shaft next weekend. Will also check the steering column and rack.
Check the posts for clunk clunk on every bump
Loose front sway bare bushings will do this and a new Moog bushings will only cost about $8 bucks for the pair.
On your 07 there is only one bolt on each of the 2 bushing retainers. Loosen both then work the bushing clamps off.
R&R the old bushings, then work the bushing clamps back into position.
The clunk will drive you nuts trying to locate it.
PS one of the best investments would be GM FE5 struts front and back. Shop around they can be purchased as cheep as off brand.
I have asked my son several times to look at the decal inside the spare tire compartment for his suspension type code
Still don’t have it. I was under the impression that the FE5 suspension type was more rare. Am I wrong? And can that type of strut be used on cobalts with other suspension codes?
Also how long was that section of bicycle tire innertube that you used over the I-shaft universal joint? Did it connect over the end over the pinion shaft? And then further up zip tie it above the U-joint? I’m just trying to figure out where I need to connect this section of inner tube.
Thanks
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