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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35k here and never had a problem with mine. And no thanks on the honda part

 

CivicSi. Has the power steering on this car acted up since you have cleaned it, as shown above?

 

good write up IMO. but sorry i like cars with torque.

 

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

 

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.

 

is this a problem on the 09 cobalts as well? because the other night i was driving it and all of a sudden it would start pulling to the right and the steering wheel was really stiff to pull back over... i have 45k miles on it...

 

That is a lot of miles!!!

 

Excellent post, thanks for taking the time to explain.

 

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

 

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 =[

 

mine hasnt gone out...yet...i guess ive been lucky...i have gotten a few blown fuses...but that a quick fix

 

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.

 

ROFL at that comment. Our other car is a 2009 Civic DX-G. I joined the 8thcivic forum to keep updated on issues with these cars. Lo and behold, there are plenty of Civic owners unhappy about things that happen to their cars.

No automaker is problem free son.

 

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

 

this is interesting, im going to have to try this, i have been driving for 2 years now without powersteering

 

well today im going to try this and see if it works, so anyone who is having problems i will update you on what happens.

 

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.

 

Which thing do I clean? The boxy thing or the cup lookn thing?

 

if it broke 2 years ago why did u not take it to the dealership under warranty...

 

Thanks Honda dude! Welcome to the site!

 

Can anyone answer my question?

 

Does anyone have a part number or confirmation that the motors are available separately? I've been trying for a couple hours to get a part number (or place an order) online but have come up empty.

This being Sunday the dealer is closed but I'll try there tomorrow.

 

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

 

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