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Chevrolet Cobalt Steering Problems

124 messages,  Last post on Jul 26, 2012 at 3:50 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Cobalt Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Cobalt, Steering, Coupe, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 14

#2 of 124 Cobalt Problems by gonzam02

May 31, 2006 (12:34 pm)

I was wondering if anyone has encountered the problem that I am having with my 2005 Chevy Cobalt. My first concern has occurred while I am driving in the highway. I am keeping a steady pace with traffic when all of the sudden my steering wheel begins to shake and I begin to hear a rattling noise. The noise ceases when I stop the car (meaning I pull to the side of the road), but since it is the 3rd time that it has happened to me, I am getting concerned.
 
Another potential problem with this car is the hubcaps. I find these to be very dangerous because since they are screwed into the lugnut, they have a tendency to loosen and loosen the lugnut as well. I have had to tighten lugnuts twice already because of this problem. Has anyone else had these problems? Please post any helpful information. Thanks.

#3 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [gonzam02] by wallstfun

May 31, 2006 (3:57 pm)

Replying to: gonzam02 (May 31, 2006 12:34 pm)
I have a question also. Now that the warm weather is here I've been using my A/C alot. I notice that around the vents collect alot of condensation, The other cobalt in my family does the same but not as bad. Is this normal for this car? It gets bad enough where the water runs down the dash.

#4 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [wallstfun] by randydriver

May 31, 2006 (4:23 pm)

Replying to: wallstfun (May 31, 2006 3:57 pm)
Must be humid where you are. Not to be smart, I have seen that happen on very humid days down here. Dallas Texas

#5 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [wallstfun] by poncho167

Jun 01, 2006 (10:33 am)

Replying to: wallstfun (May 31, 2006 3:57 pm)
I have not heard of that one before, consult with your dealer.

#6 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [wallstfun] by grosloup

Jun 01, 2006 (10:35 am)

Replying to: wallstfun (May 31, 2006 3:57 pm)
This is normal when it's very humid. In my Equinox I can see some mist (almost like smoke) but no smell coming out of my vents and sometimes frosting the plastic. It's like opening a freezer door when it's very hot and it's blown by the fan. It scared the s... out of me at the beginning but they told me it was caused by a humidity factor. When it happens I look at it and still can't figure it out.

#7 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [gonzam02] by poncho167

Jun 01, 2006 (10:40 am)

Replying to: gonzam02 (May 31, 2006 12:34 pm)
There are a lot of cars with the same kind of hubcap set up as you describe. I have never heard of that effecting the lugnut tightness being that the lugnuts tighten just so far, leaving that 1/8" or so for space for the hubcap. If you tightened the lugnets without the hubcap in place, it shouldn't go all the way to the end thus leaving a space for the hubcaps thickness.
 
The steering situation could be serious. Contact the service department as soon-as-possible.

#8 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [wallstfun] by ray_h1

Aug 14, 2006 (11:05 am)

Replying to: wallstfun (May 31, 2006 3:57 pm)
The A/C evaporator coil and the heater core are both contained within a plastic casement mounted up inside the passenger side dash. In warm, humid weather the cold evaporator core will draw moisture out of the circulating air inside the case. This should drip off and exit through a small tube attached to the bottom of the case to the road below. Check under your car to find that tube and verify that it's not obstructed. Sometimes when cars are sprayed with undercoating at the factory, the tube can be partially or totally clogged. If that happens, the only place the collected moisture can exit is to the car's interior. If the tube is open (from underneat the car probe it with a small screwdriver or rod to check for and clear obstructions), then some moisture at your A/C vents is unavoidable. However, if you ordinarily draw fresh air inside the car when running the A/C, that can be very problematic in high humidity areas - you're constantly introducing both hot air and additional moisture, which, in turn, tax the A/C to its full capacity and can't be too great for fuel economy, either. Set the system to "Recirculate" once you've cleared the hot interior air and achieved cool-down. No car is totally sealed, so there'll always be some fresh air entering. You won't suffocate.

#9 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [wallstfun] by sgr5516

Aug 20, 2006 (3:36 pm)

Replying to: wallstfun (May 31, 2006 3:57 pm)
I'm considering buying an 06 Cobalt LS. I've been reading these forums and www.alldata.com/tsb for any known issues with this car. GM has issued a TSB for this A/C condensation water blowing out of vents problem. When outside temp and humidity are high and system is run on high, water collects in a groove area of the lower HVAC case and does not drain out. The fix is to install a foam gasket. The TSB number is 05-01-38-016A issued 3/3/06. Problem affects Cobalts if end of VIN number is less than 67661747. If car is still under warranty, this is a free fix.

#10 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [gonzam02] by prdm

Aug 24, 2006 (6:54 am)

Replying to: gonzam02 (May 31, 2006 12:34 pm)
I am keeping a steady pace with traffic when all of the sudden my steering wheel begins to shake and I begin to hear a rattling noise. The noise ceases when I stop the car>
 
Our Cobalt has begun to exhibit this behavior. The vibration increases exponentially when the brakes are applied. Occurs only on the highway after about a half hour of running, never on surface streets.
 
Haven't tried the dealer route yet as without a code or known problem they will be unable to duplicate so I'm hoping there will be more incidents showing up (selfish, I know).

#11 of 124 Re: Cobalt Problems [prdm] by ray_h1

Aug 24, 2006 (10:54 am)

Replying to: prdm (Aug 24, 2006 6:54 am)
--"Haven't tried the dealer route yet as without a code or known problem they will be unable to duplicate"--
 
I wonder what mechanics relied on before there were computer-stored fault codes... Get your car to a dealership and find out what's going on before you kill yourself (and/or someone else). If the vibration/shimmy occur for you, do not presume it won't occur for a tech under the same conditions. It's their problem, not yours - that's why GM issued you a warranty. (From the perspective of having no access to your car, what you're experiencing sounds like the possibility of a loose wheel.)

Messages Page 2 of 14

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