One problem related to steering rack and pinion has been reported for the 2007 Chevrolet HHR. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2007 Chevrolet HHR based on all problems reported for the 2007 HHR.
I noticed my steering wheel started pulling to the right and dificult to make a left turn. I got new tires and took it in for an alignment and was told they could not perform the alignment because the rack and pinion might be bad. The problem was they could not get the tires to stay straight. While the car was on the lift, they started the car and the steering wheel (and wheels) spun really fast all the way to the right. The shop wanted $1000 to replace the rack and pinion but I believe it is steering column assembly. Got a second opinion and they agreed with me. I am not experiencing an noises or shaking. Will try changing out the power steering motor this weekend.