I need to put a set of lowering springs on my HHR but I currently do not have access to an impact wrench....is it possible to do the install on all four corners without an impact wrench? The only How-To I found involves an impact wrench for the front end.

 

Im thinking that it is possible, but I wouldnt try it, I would advise the same for you. Buy, rent, borrow or steal one. It would probably take you ten times as long to do the job. All the regular nuts and bolts are do-able, but the hardest part would be the main strut retaining nut on the top. You would have to somehow hold the strut, hold the strut shaft, and undo the nut, which is on there pretty good.
Im in the same situation and cant find my own impact gun, must have given it to my dad.

 

I just replaced my struts and installed lowering springs this weekend with out an impact wrench and yes, it will take you a bit longer, but it's a matter of about thirty minutes for both sides and alot of musle. All you need is to go over to Sears and buy a set of Craftsman Profesional Vice Grips(will cost about twenty bucks but are worth it, standard three or four dollar ones did not work, I tried) Sears also sells rubber end caps for the vise grips that will not only protect the shaft from the vices digging into them, but it will also get a better hold on the shaft. I recommend to spray WD-40 all over the bolt and let it sit for about two hours prior but that's up to how much time you have available. Just get a strong solid grip on the shaft with the vise, then with ratchet and i beleive a 19mm socket turn the bolt. It's alot easier to turn if you have a LONG ratchet or a breaker bar, but if you don't just slide your ratchet handle through a pipe or if you have a hydraulic jack the handle will work. Anything to give you more leverage and you should be good to go. It took me about two hours to do front and back. Just remember to compress the springs BEFORE you even attempt to start turning the center bolt! Good Luck! Her's how it looked after

 

looks nice, franco!
what springs did you go with, and how much were they?

 

My Goldlines were installed without an impact wrench. Really wasn't a problem. A bit extra time, but can be done.

 

are you guys using the front alignment kit?
(just did a search and found the springs with "recommend using alignment kit")

 

Thanks Bowtie I went with the Goldlines on the HHR Boutique website for $189. As far as the alignment kit, I looked into them but was told that on newer cars, the amount you can adjust is really not enough to make much of a difference. I'd say if you have the extra cash, go for it, but isn't necessary. Let me know how it goes for you.

 

Break the strut nut loose before you start removing it from the car....use the vehicle weight to hold it .....you don't have to have an impact...but it does make things smoother.....