Electric Power Steering Problem Solution
04-26-2009, 10:17 AM
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Electric Power Steering Problem Solution
Hey everyone. I joined this forum just to research why the electric power steering was going out on my friend's Cobalt. Researching here and on other sites across the web I found out that most people have to replace the whole steering column because you couldn't just purchase the electric motor seperately. Well, something everyone should try who is having problems witht their electric power steering randomly cutting off, is to just clean the electric motor.
First I pulled the interior panel off that is located directly below steering wheel. Disconnect trunk release connector.
Second, unbolt electric motor from column (I think it is just two bolots). Make sure you have some rags handy because some oil/grease may drip from the motor's shaft. Pull the electric motor free of column.
Now with the motor free, remove the case and expose the winding, brushes, etc. Clean all this real good with electric cleaner, clean the rotor (where the brushes make contact) with a tooth brush and electrical cleaner. Wipe out the inside of the case (stator).
Let it all dry and reassemble.
I did this a few weeks ago to my friend's cobalt and the power steering hasn't gone off yet (fingers crossed). This is a much better solution than replacing the whole steering column (with another gm steering column that will just do the same thing in another 40k miles...).
I hope this helps somebody and saves some folks a little dough. It's very easy to do and worth a try if your EPS is cutting out like so many people's out there. GM needs a swift kick in the nuts for not putting out a recall for this... very unsafe to drive.
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First I pulled the interior panel off that is located directly below steering wheel. Disconnect trunk release connector.
Second, unbolt electric motor from column (I think it is just two bolots). Make sure you have some rags handy because some oil/grease may drip from the motor's shaft. Pull the electric motor free of column.
Now with the motor free, remove the case and expose the winding, brushes, etc. Clean all this real good with electric cleaner, clean the rotor (where the brushes make contact) with a tooth brush and electrical cleaner. Wipe out the inside of the case (stator).
Let it all dry and reassemble.
I did this a few weeks ago to my friend's cobalt and the power steering hasn't gone off yet (fingers crossed). This is a much better solution than replacing the whole steering column (with another gm steering column that will just do the same thing in another 40k miles...).
I hope this helps somebody and saves some folks a little dough. It's very easy to do and worth a try if your EPS is cutting out like so many people's out there. GM needs a swift kick in the nuts for not putting out a recall for this... very unsafe to drive.
REMOVED BY MOD STAFF
Last edited by zinner; 03-02-2010 at 07:03 PM.
10-15-2009, 09:47 AM
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I did that to mine the first time it went out.. It lasted probably 5k before it did it again.. Theoretically, you could just keep cleaning it and never replace..lol
10-15-2009, 09:21 PM
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A up grade on the brushes might be a cure for the problem.
If cleaning it fixes it im assuming it is a carbon build up problem because the brushes are to soft
if I get the problem I will look into it myself and see what can be done about it.
What did the motor look like inside.
If someone does this fix could they post pics of what it looks like before cleaning it .
Thanks.
If cleaning it fixes it im assuming it is a carbon build up problem because the brushes are to soft
if I get the problem I will look into it myself and see what can be done about it.
What did the motor look like inside.
If someone does this fix could they post pics of what it looks like before cleaning it .
Thanks.
lol yeah my fiance used to live halfway across the state and i would drive a couple times a week to see her... now we live together
10-16-2009, 03:08 PM
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Indeed Awesome post!! When I used to have my 06 cobalt, power steering went out, had no warranty, and had the whole steering column replaced for $800. Wish I knew about this back then =[
10-16-2009, 07:12 PM
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I just had my motor replaced. It did not ending costing much. I think it was <$500. I only paid 75 with my extended warranty.
I wouldnt want any "surprises" when it comes to my steering. Not going to bet my life on a wire or some kinda of cleaning solvent.
So i just paid up, and have a bit of better peace of mind.
I wouldnt want any "surprises" when it comes to my steering. Not going to bet my life on a wire or some kinda of cleaning solvent.
So i just paid up, and have a bit of better peace of mind.
10-16-2009, 09:09 PM
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No automaker is problem free son.
10-16-2009, 09:14 PM
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You don't have to buy the whole column anymore; GM sells the motors separately now.
truth
Found lots of unhappy owners before I bought my 'balt. I was considering a Civic SI. Very, very little though. lol
Found lots of unhappy owners before I bought my 'balt. I was considering a Civic SI. Very, very little though. lol
Last edited by Mr_Slobalt; 10-16-2009 at 09:14 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
10-25-2009, 02:47 PM
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well i removed the motor today and opened it up exposing the inside of the motor, it was fairly dirty and i cleaned it with electrical spray but it didnt fix the problem. still have no powersteering but hey, it was worth a shot trying.
10-25-2009, 04:22 PM
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if it broke 2 years ago why did u not take it to the dealership under warranty...
10-25-2009, 06:12 PM
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This being Sunday the dealer is closed but I'll try there tomorrow.
10-25-2009, 06:12 PM
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i didnt have warranty, i had about 52,000 miles when it went out, i called them and told them my situation. Basically they told me oh well on just being 2 thousand miles over the warranty
10-28-2009, 12:45 AM
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I had the same issue I called around a few dealers and I got one manager to fix it for free outta warranty I guess u just gotta look around befre you attempt to fix it first. The manager saved my wallet