09GT Steering Rack Issue

[trask]

Bad news on my 09 GT. The Steering Rack needs to be replaced. For a couple of months now I have had a rattle in my steering column that is very noticeable when driving on rough paved road surfaces at low speeds that has gotten progressively worse over the last month. I complained about it at 38,000 miles but at that time the service manager said they could not find or hear anything wrong in the steering column. I have 47,000 on the 09Vibe now. The service manager said they will try to get GM to help in paying for the part and or labor, but I`m not holding my breath on that. At least I have a record of the vibe having some sort of issue with the steering at 38,000, If I am lucky maybe GM or the dealer will cut me some slack, because this could get very expensive.

[star_deceiver]

Well that sucks!!! Hope the dealer coughs up some dough!

[03vibedriver]

Thats the exact same issue I am having with my 09 vibe with 52,000 miles.I had it checked by the dealer a they said it was the sway bar links they replaced them still the same low speed rattle on rough roads. Now they say the steering column needs to be replaced. I really messed up by trading my 03 vibe for the 09 Vibe.

[09Vibe]

The whole rack needs replacement ? Wow, I can see the stabilizer links lossening up and causing a front end rattle, but the rack mounts should not be doing that. If the dealer recommends it be replaced I can't see GM saying different... Let us know how you make out. Good luck.

[trask]

I will let you know how this works out. Dealer should have the part/parts in the next day or so.

[trask]

Good news from the dealer, GM is covering the total cost of the repair, wow that saves me a ton of money. Dealer said it would be three days before the parts get in, so I probably won`t get the vibe back until the first of next week.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by trask »Good news from the dealer, GM is covering the total cost of the repair, wow that saves me a ton of money. Dealer said it would be three days before the parts get in, so I probably won`t get the vibe back until the first of next week.Glad to hear GM is coming through for you! I assume since you'll be without the Vibe for a few days they'll be giving you a free loaner?

[trask]

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »Glad to hear GM is coming through for you! I assume since you'll be without the Vibe for a few days they'll be giving you a free loaner?A loaner was offered to me but decided just to use my truck for now, I haven`t been driving it much lately. Parts are still not in, so hopefully Monday or Tuesday for the parts. I just hope dealer diagnosed it correctly. I will give an update when the vibe is repaired.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by trask »A loaner was offered to me but decided just to use my truck for now, I haven`t been driving it much lately. Parts are still not in, so hopefully Monday or Tuesday for the parts. I just hope dealer diagnosed it correctly. I will give an update when the vibe is repaired.At least they offered a loaner. Hopefully everything goes well and the problem is taken care of with as little a hassle as possible.

[trask]

Got the vibe back yesterday after they replaced the steering rack. this has taken care of the rattle I had in the steering column area. I do not understand why I would have a rattle created by the steering rack, but dealer said there were loose components, so GM probably said just replace the whole thing.The great thing for me is that GM did not charge me for the parts and labor.

[tpollauf]

Just curious if there is a TSB issued on this problem? Will those of us with "less mileage" have such good luck as you did once we hit higher mileage and to where the steering becomes an issue? If possible scan the complete repair invoice showing parts, labor & description of what was done so all of us can see what we may have to look forward to.Also isn't this the same as the Corrola steering column? So they are still being manufactured and we wouldn't have to rely on "junked" cars for future parts

[Kincaid]

I only have about 16k miles on my 2009 2.4L and I have the same rattle. (I usually don't notice it due to the cranking the stereo.Dang, I don't want to have to take my car in.

[trask]

Dealer misdiagnosed the rattle problem I had in my steering column. They claimed it was the steering rack that was creating my rattle in the steering column area. It did not correct the rattle issue I am having.

[Kincaid]

Your first post after the steering rack fix said the rattle was gone - so it came back? Any idea what is wrong or are they going to look at it further?My rattle occurs under the same conditions - low speed over rough or bumpy pavement. I would describe it as a quiet "clunky rattle" sound, like if you were bumping a couple of heavy components together. It isn't a "metal to metal" rubbing or grinding sound, doesn't sound like a plastic chirp or like anything is being scraped or scratched. Just like something is loose.

[03vibedriver]

Its been five weeks now and my new steering column has not come it yet.I'm beginning to wonder if getting replacement parts is going to be a problem for the 09 and 10 vibes.

[star_deceiver]

How often do you call the dealer to check up?

[03vibedriver]

My GM dealer recieved the steering column last week and installed it today. No more rattling noise at slow speeds on rough surface roads.My 09 vibe has 60,973 miles on the clock. I hope this does not happen again at 120,000 mlies. It took a long time to get the steering column. GM and the dealer covered this at no charge to me as a one time favor. They also gave me a loaner van to drive.

[Kincaid]

Quote, originally posted by 03vibedriver »GM and the dealer covered this at no charge to me as a one time favor. They also gave me a loaner van to drive.I don't like the sound of that. Is there a bumper to bumper warranty or not!?

[vibedrivermatt]

Dang my car does this too. I think this started very early on when I got the car as well. maybe 15000 miles. I'd describe it as a pebble being shaken in a paper cup sound that can be heard driving on my parents bumpy gravel driveway at slow speeds.

[XRVibe10]

Hey Everyone, Just a little more information for all the 2009 - 2010 Vibe Owners regarding this "rattle" noise coming from the steering column - I work @ a dealership & have run into this issue many times with Vibes, Chevrolet Cobalts & Pontiac Pursuits/G5's - the rattle noise heard @ low speeds over bumpy/rough roads is coming from the steering column itself - it has something to do with the electric steering setup (something common with the listed vehicles with power steering motors mounted to the column instead of the steering rack) - there are no PSB/Service Bulletins out yet regarding this noise - I have a 2010 Vibe 2.4 Non-GT & have put in 2 columns already for this noise and now have to put in a 3rd (I only have 36000 kms) - I have also replaced about 10 columns in customers vehicles for the same issue (alot of guys in the shop have changed some as well) - as for a fix, other than replacing the column for now, that's all you can get done - you can also hear the noise if your sitting idle & jiggle the steering wheel back & forth quickly - This is a warranty item if your under you original factory warranty (or have a good extended coverage) - no saftey concern, just the annoyance of the rattle - Hope this helps anyone out regarding this kind of noise (Just gonna have to listen to music louder!) -Brandon

[trask]

Thanks to all for the information on this steering rattle issue. I have learned to ignore / live with the rattle, but it bothers me that Toyota and GM are not doing a correct fix for this. I have not taken my car back in for the rattle issue and unless this becomes a recall or a simple cheap fix free of charge to the owner, I will probably pass it on to the next owner of my car.

[Kincaid]

Hope that someone that had their steering fixed or XRVibe10 will come back and report if this fixes it or not (as trask notes, it didn't fix his rattle).If it would fix it for good I'd do it. If it is just going to happen again I'll live with it. I don't notice it 98% of the time.I was a bit concerned when I saw that some GM cars (was it the Cruze, or Cobalt?) was getting recalled for a steering issue that was dangerous.

[XRVibe10]

Just a little more info for Kincaid & for those following this thread as well - Replacing the steering column will fix the rattle sound that comes from the drivers side of the vehicle over rough/bumpy roads @ slower speeds - Now I've mentioned that I have had mine replaced twice already & its ready for its 3rd column (36000 kms currently, waiting till warranty is almost up) - This does fix the problem, but for how long depends on many things - the wonderful roads up here in Oshawa & the Durham region are pretty bad & would seem to accelerate the issue returning again - I have worked on some other Vibes with much higher Kms (Usually Highway Driven) & they have no noise issues relating to the steering columns rattling (smoother roads i would assume) - As for trask , sorry it didn`t get fixed, why they replaced the steering rack is beyond me - I`ve never seen a rack replaced in any year of Vibe the 7 yrs i`ve been working here, & the Columns i`ve replaced have fixed the problem - if you still have warranty you could get it fixed, but if you don`t notice it that much then I guess live with it & pass it on to the next driver. The steering issues with the Cobalt/Pursuit/G5/Ion was the loss of steering assist from the Electric Power Steering Motor which would default to manual steering, the fix for that was to replace the motor with a updated one - This recall does not affect the Vibes (wether they will come out with a column noise campaign is highly unlikey, all we can do is hope for the best) I haven`t seem many front end problems that plague other models - sway links, control arm bushings, etc hold up amazingly on these vehicles - there may be the odd one that fails, but it happens - Hope this helps out more - if anyone has more questions please feel free to ask-BrandonQuote, originally posted by Kincaid »If it would fix it for good I'd do it. If it is just going to happen again I'll live with it. I don't notice it 98% of the time. -I don`t notice it most of the time as well, just if the music is off & driving in silence - need a bolt on exhaust system for the 2.4l base so it will hide any noises

[DressedInBlack]

thanks for the inside info XRVibe10!

[AHunt]

Hi all,I just had the steering column on my '09 replaced. Started home - no rattle - but by the time I hit 50 mph on the highway, I felt significant vibration in the steering wheel. Thought I was imagining it at first, but it persisted and got worse at higher speeds. Is there anything that could have taken place in the steering column repair that would cause this vibration? I have to say, I prefer the rattle!! Thanks!

[Kincaid]

yikes! that's worrisome. I'd take it back and make sure they didn't forget to tighten something up. In fact, I think I'd call to make sure they felt it was safe to drive.

[XRVibe10]

I'd definitly take it back AHunt to get checked - When the Steering Column is replaced on the Vibes, the PSCM (Power Steering Control Module) has to be recalibrated for angle, position, & torque (the sensors that is) its all done through the Scan tool and makes sure the module has the correct values for the newly installed column - if it wasn't recalibrated it make read the old values & be trying to correct for it being out (i.e: your wheel is straight but it thinks your steering 8 degrees to the left & the assist is wanting to help return you to center)this could be a cause of your vibration & could get worse @ higher speeds like you mentioned - take it back & get it fixed - Also, don't know if you hand any other work done (brakes, tires, etc) ie: make sure the wheels are tight as well if you had any other related work - Hope this helps a bit & it gets fixed right! Let us know

[AHunt]

Thanks for this... I'll take it back to them.

[AHunt]

This is great information. Now I can ask them to check that... When I called them about it, I was told I needed to get the wheels balanced. I'll take it there this afternoon - armed with your info - and won't leave until the problem is solved.Thanks! I'll let you know what happens.

[Kincaid]

And if they refused I'd ask them whether or not they'll pay for the wheel balance if that turns out not to be the problem.good luck!

[AHunt]

Hi again. They paid for the alignment, but then told me that was not the problem... that there is still a problem in the steering column (but it's new!) and they have to take it apart and start over. I hope this does not become a never ending issue... just bought the car with 22K miles. Might be returning it to the dealer!

[Caretaker]

thanks for all the great posts XRVibe10. I'm late to the party and am only reading all the old posts now. This is exactly what happened to all us former Malibu Maxx and older gen Malibu owners. The stupid electric steering kept failing and a significant rattling noise heard over gravel and bumpy roads at low speeds forced many people to get new steering columns from GM. Having seen this movie several times, I will opt out of any replacement since it is a waste of time. I too have the rattle in my 2009 Vibe, but it is not as pronounced as it was on my Malibu Maxx. As long as there are no reports of sudden steering failure like GM had with the Malibu, I will keep drivin' along.

[dayday]

Mine does it too, I've noticed it ever since first getting the car with 17k on it (currently has 30k). I'm not sure whether I want to take it in to the dealer or not.

[Zimm]

my '10 with 25kmi has had that rattle for at least a year now. after the dealer telling me the rattle and 1/4" play in the wheel was "normal" for the Vibe, i asked the service manager to have the sales manager show me which cars on his lot came with the most steering rattles. he told me if i want a new steering column, he'd do it. it took a couple of days to get the part and half a day without the car, but so far, my car feels and sounds (or lack of sounds...) like it did when it was new. no rattle, no steering play. love it!!!

[JPR939]

Thanks for your comments which helped me to solve this issue under an used car warranty : next week, I will fix the steering column thru an ex-Pontiac dealer, with the agreement of the salesman who sold me the Vibe (2010, 23000 miles), last week.

[Kincaid]

That's why I love forums like this! So much information to help keep dealers honest and customers informed.

FWIW, still living with my rattle. Hasn't changed in over 30k miles.

[Caretaker]

I asked in another of our threads for someone to post the steering column recall affecting Corollas, and now our Vibes. Can someone do that? I have had the rattle for over 10,000 miles and it has not changed. After my extensive experience of having GM replace faulty racks and steering columns and steering gears in the Malibu Maxx, I will continue to live with my rattle as long as the masses here believe it is not a safety issue (like the steering gear was in the Maxx). Any updates on whether a solution was found at Toyota, or are they continuing to just put in the same model column as a temporary fix?

[mrm1149]

Just had mine replaced...rattle gone. GM agreed to a "courtesy fix" thru my dealer service guy. My share $150 total. About a 4 hr. labor procedure.............figure the whole thing retail was around $900 or so.

[tpawlik]

Having the same problem with the rattling noise on my 2009 Vibe 45k miles.
Driving on a grass parking lot it sounds like the whole thing will disintegrate. Any news of a TSB yet?

[Th17kit]

Check this thread viewtopic.php?f=26&t=38057 for additional information.