I did a search on this forum and came up with the SEMA posting http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=532&highlight=sway+bars
saying that ADDCO made anti-sway bars for the SEMA show vehicle. After looking at the ADDCO web site, the HHR is not listed (imagine that!)

So... who makes sway bars for these cars? It seriously needs them.

Lowering your HHR will reduce body roll, acceleration "squat" and braking nosedive quite a bit. The car will also corner like it's on rails. I have an email in to ADDCO to find out if they are interested in producing some aftermarket anti-sway bars for us. Will keep you posted... :thumb:

I've been checking with another vendor for some time now.. , for sway bars... (been on it for some time.. will keep you advise)

When I drove My HHR, I noticed alot of rear end swaying.

You can check so also, by going down the road and slightly turning the steering back and forth very slightly.. then you will notice how the rear end is spongy.

And if you very daring also, crawl underneath your vehicle , and you will notice you only have a front sway bar and no rear one...... Takes no genuis to see that...

you really don't need a sway bar for the back of the car. All you have to do is weigh the back down a little bit. A couple of 12" or 15" subs in the back should do the trick. :eek:

My HHR is lowered and I have a 65lb. bandpass box back there with 2 Audiobahn 10's in it.

Sway bars are still needed! :eek:

And if you very daring also, crawl underneath your vehicle...


You mean "very skinny." :D

Sway bar info:

From the specs that I've seen the LS and 1LT with the Touring Suspension have a 19 mm front bar. The 2LT has a 22 mm bar. No mention of the rear, but....

When I put my Gold-Line springs in, I thought I saw one! Just ran it up the ramps a bit ago... The 2LT has a rear sway bar! Between the 2 trailing links there is an inverted "V" twist arm. On my 2LT there is a round bar inside it, welded to the trailing arms. It is about 22 mm dia. Does either the LS or 1LT have this?

As to availibility....

Some time ago I called Addco. Talked to the Pres., who didn't even know what an HHR was! No info as to when bars from them would be available.

Also called Eibach... they said that HHR bars were "in development" and should be available this month. They have a kit for the Cobalt (same platform) but said some component locations were a problem and that they were "close" to a revised configuration that would work for both. Please note that this is from a company who still markets springs for the HHR that have the same part number as the Cobalt and are rumored to be too soft in the rear for the added weight of the HHR in the rear.

You mean "very skinny." :D

You only need to be very skinny to get under YOUR car, Mike :D

I can get under mine just fine with no jack....

Becky

But you are skinny Becky! :D

I am about to do the first oil change on the car so I will go under there to see whats I have. I really have my doubts that there is a rear bar. If there is one... it isn't sufficient.

I also have an e-mail into ADDCO. When the bars do become available, I will most likely replace them both with larger ones.

As for lowering the car. I thought about it, and usually I would jump at lowering the car. But (for now at least) I will pass on lowering it. I think the addition of the sway bar will fix my problem.

Here's another note on sway bars:

Generally, factory stock vehicles are designed to understeer when pushed to the limits. This is for liability(=lawsuits) and safety reasons. For an inexperienced driver, better to "plow" straight ahead than spin when the car is pushed past the limits.

If you add a rear sway bar to a vehicle that didn't come with one stock, you will move the handling characteristics toward oversteer. How much toward oversteer depends on the specific vehicle. If you add a rear sway bar, you should change the front sway bar to a thicker one to keep the handling similar to the factory design. In previous vehicles I have bought kits from Hellwig that included a larger front bar and a smaller rear bar. By installing new front and rear bars, you will reduce the overall roll rate without significantly affecting handling at the limits.

You can also affect the oversteer/understeer characteristics by changing the front or rear tire pressures relative to each other.

These are just some extra things to keep in mind when changing suspension parts.

Steve

Here's another note on sway bars:

Generally, factory stock vehicles are designed to understeer when pushed to the limits. This is for liability(=lawsuits) and safety reasons. For an inexperienced driver, better to "plow" straight ahead than spin when the car is pushed past the limits.

If you add a rear sway bar to a vehicle that didn't come with one stock, you will move the handling characteristics toward oversteer. How much toward oversteer depends on the specific vehicle. If you add a rear sway bar, you should change the front sway bar to a thicker one to keep the handling similar to the factory design. In previous vehicles I have bought kits from Hellwig that included a larger front bar and a smaller rear bar. By installing new front and rear bars, you will reduce the overall roll rate without significantly affecting handling at the limits.

You can also affect the oversteer/understeer characteristics by changing the front or rear tire pressures relative to each other.

These are just some extra things to keep in mind when changing suspension parts.

Steve

Agreed.

I understand your point, but FWD vehicles already have a tendency to understeer (edited - ooops!), due to increased torque steer from the transaxle. That is why we would like to see a rear sway bar option. Adding a rear sway bar will control more of the "looseness" the HHR has from a high center of gravity. My HHR is lowered and steering and control has already improved immensely, adding the rear sway bar will allow it to corner even better. It seems a good amount of HHR owners are expressing interest in the poll.


We are trying to have an adjustable sway bar made so that the end user can control how much lateral stiffnes is added. It will not be a generic "fixed rate" bar.

I understand your point, but FWD vehicles already have a tendency to ovesteer, due to increased torque steer from the transaxle. That is why we would like to see a rear sway bar option. Adding a rear sway bar will control more of the "looseness" the HHR has from a high center of gravity. My HHR is lowered and steering and control has already improved immensely, adding the rear sway bar will allow it to corner even better. It seems a good amount of HHR owners are expressing interest in the poll.


We are trying to have an adjustable sway bar made so that the end user can control how much lateral stiffnes is added. It will not be a generic "fixed rate" bar.

As nice as an adjustable sway bar is... most drivers don't really know how to adjust them properly. Personally, I would be happy with a standard "fixed" bar. I think that would work fine.

Well, I guess you are getting your way; after discussing it at length, it looks like the bar will be a fixed rate design. Here are the details I have:

http://www.songramp.com/photos/ArtistArticle6108.jpg

Cool... looking forward to getting one.

Will it be necessary to replace the front one with a larger one?

No. The new rear bar was designed to work in conjunction with the existing front bar.
Of course, if your HHR is lowered, it will respond even better!

I know this is going to be a dumb question. But i'm not a car expert. However i've learned a lot on my own. Its different since dad passed away. But why does anyone need either a sway bar or anti-sway bar. Is there any differences or advantages.

A sway bar ties the two sides together and makes the car corner flatter, at the slight compromise of ride comfort. They also reduce the tendency of the inside wheel lifting when cornering hard (yes, I have seen front inside tires lift high enough that you can easily see air space under them).

As for over/under steer, I do not believe there is anyway to make a front wheel, front engine car oversteer without greatly altering the weight distribution (I did in my 280Z by eliminating the bumpers and replacing fenders, hood, and headlight buckets with fiberglass plus lowering the car and thick, thick swaybars). I believe our main goal with the HHR is to reduce body roll.

A sway bar ties the two sides together and makes the car corner flatter, at the slight compromise of ride comfort. They also reduce the tendency of the inside wheel lifting when cornering hard (yes, I have seen front inside tires lift high enough that you can easily see air space under them).

As for over/under steer, I do not believe there is anyway to make a front wheel, front engine car oversteer without greatly altering the weight distribution (I did in my 280Z by eliminating the bumpers and replacing fenders, hood, and headlight buckets with fiberglass plus lowering the car and thick, thick swaybars). I believe our main goal with the HHR is to reduce body roll.
I used to have a 1998 VW Golf that was lowered and it would CONSTANTLY lift its inner rear wheel in any corner taken aggressively. I think some refer to it as a 3-wheel-squat. (Fun to see when taking corners on Montana highways at 100+ MPH!)

LOL... Yep, many times I've seen track modified FWD cars lifting the inside rear cornering. Also have seen Porches cornering with the inside front in the air, too.

I asked a question earlier about whether the LS or 1LT already had a rear sway bar and haven't seen any answers yet.... so:

The weekend's homework assignment >>> Get under your HHR and look up inside the inverted "V" torque tube that connects across the two trailing arms. Is there a sway bar in there? Note your model and if you can, measure the diameter. Now get out there and report back!

The 2LT already has a rear bar there. The dia. (just a quick measure w/ a ruler) is about 22 mm dia. The LS and 1LT have a 19 mm front bar; 22mm on the 2LT, according to GM.

I can't check because I have a 2LT, otherwise I would.

I asked a question earlier about whether the LS or 1LT already had a rear sway bar and haven't seen any answers yet.... so:

The weekend's homework assignment >>> Get under your HHR and look up inside the inverted "V" torque tube that connects across the two trailing arms. Is there a sway bar in there? Note your model and if you can, measure the diameter. Now get out there and report back!

The 2LT already has a rear bar there. The dia. (just a quick measure w/ a ruler) is about 22 mm dia. The LS and 1LT have a 19 mm front bar; 22mm on the 2LT, according to GM.

Just squeezed under mine (a 2LT - 17" tires w/sport suspension pkg)... yes, correct, there's a sway bar running through/inside/across the back tube. :D

Curiousity got the best of me... had to check for myself! :red: Glad I did.

Wonder if that stock GM sway bar would work in conjuction w/ SoCal's rear bar? :confused: OR would that be overkill? :eek:

Hey.... interesting "thing" happened today.

I was on one of the local Interstates, driving about 70 mph, and a tractor trailer in front of me blew and shreaded a tire. I evaded the large rubber tire shread by manuevering very drastically. But, the rear of my HHR "wobbled" and swayed so bad that I believe one of the rear tires displayed daylight underneath.:scared:

Because I have always had some type of "sport or touring" vehicle, I will not accept this type performance.

I just ordered an anti-sway bar from SoCalHHR.

I will let you know the outcome.:D

The swaybar is high on my to-do list....

Ng

I have a 2LT and ordered the Socal sway bar. Perhaps I did not need to? The way the car handled I thought it could use it. Now I read that the 2LT has one? I guess I'll crawl under and see......
Hmm......My wife took the car to Newport today. Guess I'll be driving the Buick!
Does the "stock" Anti Sway bar bolt into the same area? :confused: If not would there be any benefit to adding the Socal as well if they do not physically interfere with each other? Just wondering.:confused:

If they are not compatible, and I have a stock one ( I should have looked into it further, I know), I guess I'll be returning the Socal one when it gets here:confused:

The "Stock" HHR does NOT have a rear sway bar. It does have a small bar running inside the rear channel, but it definately is not a sway bar.

The "Stock" HHR does NOT have a rear sway bar. It does have a small bar running inside the rear channel, but it definately is not a sway bar.

Ok, folks are saying that the L2's have something there which they are calling a "sway bar".:confused: This item is supposedly not on some other models? :confused: That is Just what I'm trying to figure out from our forums.:roll:
I wish my car was here so I could look beneath it. Ah, well, in good time:smile:

I asked a question earlier about whether the LS or 1LT already had a rear sway bar and haven't seen any answers yet.... so:

The weekend's homework assignment >>> Get under your HHR and look up inside the inverted "V" torque tube that connects across the two trailing arms. Is there a sway bar in there? Note your model and if you can, measure the diameter. Now get out there and report back!

The 2LT already has a rear bar there. The dia. (just a quick measure w/ a ruler) is about 22 mm dia. The LS and 1LT have a 19 mm front bar; 22mm on the 2LT, according to GM.


I've checked long ago.. my 2LT has no rear sway bar till I installed one..
It had a front one.. post a pic of yours...

This quote is from Chevy site...

Touring suspension
The touring suspension, standard on LS and 1LT, includes variable-rate springs and a 19mm front stabilizer bar. It is not available on 2LT.

Tuned sport suspension
The tuned sport suspension, standard and available only on 2LT, includes variable-rate springs and gas-charged shocks with a 22mm stabilizer bar.

if there is not rear sway bar then what that bar in the v groove in the back

probably to try to keep the " v" bar rigid

but if you look at the install pic on page 2 for the aftermarket rear sway bar you do not see a bar and the aftermarket one fits in side the v groove?

but if you look at the install pic on page 2 for the aftermarket rear sway bar you do not see a bar and the aftermarket one fits in side the v groove?

Yes, ther is a round bar inside the torque tube, it is there to "stiffen" the torque tube but does not work the same as a separate sway bar. The Progress Anti-Sway bar bolts to the "lever" end of the spring pad, and is kept "mechanically" separate from the rest of the torque tube (it does however, fit up inside the tube). This allows it to provide maximum resistance to inside wheel lift. It does work in conjunction with the existing torque tube - and greatly decreases rear end sway.

Ask a couple of members who have already installed them!

Hope it helps,

Yes, ther is a round bar inside the torque tube, it is there to "stiffen" the torque tube but does not work the same as a separate sway bar. The Progress Anti-Sway bar bolts to the "lever" end of the spring pad, and is kept "mechanically" separate from the rest of the torque tube (it does however, fit up inside the tube). This allows it to provide maximum resistance to inside wheel lift. It does work in conjunction with the existing torque tube - and greatly decreases rear end sway.

Ask a couple of members who have already installed them!

Hope it helps,


Looking forward to putting mine on! Thanks in advance:smile:

I finally had a chance to put the car into a few corners (Hard). The handling has increased more than I could have imagined. My HHR is not lowered and the addition of the sway bar is wonderful.

Thank you Progress Tehcnology and SoCal :one:

I ordered mine. Should be here in a few days. I had heard that Mike at SoCalHRR is great to work with and I'm here to say that he represents his company well. Thanks Mike

ok here is my report.... Tokyo told me that it would not make a difference cause the way the HHR is made in back well i have this to say.... not true

the antisway bar is great- install time 20 min tops and i used ramps and backed up on them, locked the parking brake and blocked the front wheels. carpet runner to lay on,,, all is cool,,, it is only 4 bolts and the 2 bars with the nuts welded on it,,, really easy mod and worth every penny. anyone can do this.

putting it on,,,,pointy side of the bar toward back of car to hold on to it. flat side down,,,
i did the 2 rear bolts first to get it in place and used a small 2x6 that i hammered on the end a little to hold the other side of the bar up while i did the first side... prep makes all easy they say.

i found that you need to put the bolt to the rear on first on both sides and just get it in enough to feel it at the top of the nut. then push the bar at the point up a little and angle it down to make it easier to get the front bolt started. leave it loose

then do the front bolt on the other side... i am a firm believer in snugging all 4 bolts first before you crank on them with a torque wrench. torqued them all to 45 lbs and i put on one drop of locktite to help keep them snug.

NOW driving report
HHR felt taller in the rear so i lowered my seat couple of pumps. also the ride feels lil stiffer now too.

all in all i liked it so i took it to my favorite driving spot,, the clover leaf at 635 and the north toll road.
this is a cool place cause you can go from to another and never leave till you are tired of it
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Addison,+TX&ll=32.926032,-96.820718&spn=0.004755,0.009742&om=1

i went around all 4 a total of 4 times to really try it and i was averaging 50 to 52mph around the turns and having a blast when no one was on it. yes, 16 turns non stop and just slowing down enough for traffic. last one put me back north on the toll road at 72 when i got back on. all in all it is great

seems to lean less now as well:one:

Hey, thanks for the information CJ.:bow:

My bar was delivered today and will be installed within the next 2 days. I will return to the section of Interstate that I wrote about in a previous thread. This way I can "test" the response under the same conditions.

If it keeps the ol' butt on the road...I'll be happy:steering: :smile:

Got my swaybar today and installed it in about 20 minutes. I tried the pointy side toward the rear of the car and didn't like the way it stuck out. Reversed and bolted every thing up and I'm good to go. The seat of my pants may not be as sensitive as others but it does seems a little better than stock setup.

I would also like to Thank Mike at SoCalHHRs. Fast delivery as promised.

Hey...

Everyone that purchased and installed the bar is correct. :thumb: Installation is a "piece of cake". It actually took longer to get the car up on my ramps than it took for the install.:lol:

I also had an opportunity to test the effectiveness at the same location that I experienced the wobble/sway problem. Simulating drastic evasive action provided a noticeable stiffness in the back end (don't need no puns here :nono: !).

It is, in my opinion, a worthy investment.

And again, a tip of the hat to Mike:bow: excellent service. If this is an indication of how he does business, I will be doing a lot more with him.:one:

provided a noticeable stiffness in the back end (don't need no puns here :nono: !).

Alright, but only because you provided your own punchline! :lol: :bow:

...provided a noticeable stiffness in the back end

I think they have pills for that know...:lol:

Glad you are satisfied with the product and service.

You can't please everyone, everytime - but we try. :bow:

Enjoy! :thumb:

I think they have pills for that know...:lol:

Glad you are satisfied with the product and service.

You can't please everyone, everytime - but we try. :bow:

Enjoy! :thumb:


Well you pleased another one, ME!:bow:

I just put on the anti sway bar and WHAT A DIFFERENCE!:thumb:

In general speak, the ride handling overall increase in responsiveness went up 30% with just this one mod!
On the counter side, the car now feels more of the road so the ride "cushiness" went down about 5-10%. A great trade off for sure. The sway bar is one mode every HHR owner should do.:nuts: :thumb:

Body roll went so far down, I doubt I will need to lower it.:thumb:
It is out daily driver, not destined to be an ultimate cornering machine. I figure lowering it may compromise as to where it goes a bit too much for the varied driving we do. The sway bar is the answer folks. Don't leave home with out it!

Also, since I like to post a lot of pictueres when I post;

1) First try: I went to put the sway bar in and got side tracked putting up this ( priorities :smile: )

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/61086832.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/61086840.jpg

2) So another day came and it was time to get it done!:

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/61086854/original.jpg


I had some help:

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/61086846.jpg

Got it on: D

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/61086862.jpg


We are now much safer and happier! As my guru, Comic Book Guy would say
" Best mod ever!"
So thumbs way up from the folks at Sarge's!:

http://www.pbase.com/harpozep/image/43120657/large.jpg

Thanks Mike,,,,,Not only does it do the job for cornering...it also seems to improve the firmness just driving down these ruff & potholed roads we have around here.......:thumb:

I received my Progress Tech Anti-Sway Bar from Mike (SoCal) this morning and installed it this evening it about 30 minutes. I took it out for a spin and I can't believe the improvement. It is well worth the money and I also felt like CJ that it I needed to lower my seat because it seemed to be riding a bit higher, but I can't imagine why.

Mike thanks for shipping it from your sick bed, I really appreciate your quick responses to my eMails. I am now looking at the price reduction for the CGS Intake, but I need to save some pennies. Also, and I know this is out of the tread but does anyone have a sense or experience about warranty issues and the CGS Intake. I will look for some other threads concerning the intake. Thanks for the great HHR site :smile:

After reading all these posts...guess I'll have to add this to my wish list of things to do to my HHR "Smoke" :lol:

After reading all these posts...guess I'll have to add this to my wish list of things to do to my HHR "Smoke" :lol:

and tell everyone you've heard it hear first... :nuts:

I'm definitely looking into sway bars, but after doing some research I have a question.... From my experience, every sway bar I have seen has linked the suspension to the body to control body roll... I can't see how controlling the flex on the rear trailing arm will control body roll. If you just take the flex out of the rear, wouldn't you have to take some flex out of the front to keep the wheels on the ground?

I'm definitely looking into sway bars, but after doing some research I have a question.... From my experience, every sway bar I have seen has linked the suspension to the body to control body roll... I can't see how controlling the flex on the rear trailing arm will control body roll. If you just take the flex out of the rear, wouldn't you have to take some flex out of the front to keep the wheels on the ground?


There is a front sway bar already on the vehicle.. depending on which model you have, determines the size diameter of the sway bar...

I'm definitely looking into sway bars, but after doing some research I have a question.... From my experience, every sway bar I have seen has linked the suspension to the body to control body roll... I can't see how controlling the flex on the rear trailing arm will control body roll. If you just take the flex out of the rear, wouldn't you have to take some flex out of the front to keep the wheels on the ground?

Jim, being a 4 wheeler, I'm sure you have dealt with a few sway bars (disconnecting then!), but let me tell you - the HHR sway bar works miracles! I've installed quite a few over the years, and sometimes it is barely discernable that they do anything. On the HHR however, the difference is immediately noticeable. Less body roll in corners, less wind sway at highway speeds, heck, even a sharp lane change is improved! I'd say it is one of the top 5 mods you can do to the HHR - big benefits.

And hats off to Henry (HVROD), for finding the manufacturer! http://www.hhrclub.org/gforum/images/hat.gif

Just click that grey car in my signature above Karen... :thumb:

Very cool.... After looking at several web pages and even some cavalier/cobalt forums, I don't see any that connect to the body. So it must not need to. I'm going to try the Progress bar and see... thanks for all the info.

the HHR sway bar works miracles! I've installed quite a few over the years, and sometimes it is barely discernable that they do anything. On the HHR however, the difference is immediately noticeable. Less body roll in corners, less wind sway at highway speeds, heck, even a sharp lane change is improved! I'd say it is one of the top 5 mods you can do to the HHR - big benefits.
Definitely agree. The differences were night and day on the HHR.

On the sway bar hook up, I also have a 65 El camino,a nd added a rear sway bar. The bar justs bolts to the lower control arms (4 link susp.) using 2 bolts per side. The two bolts on each end help control the bar from twisting.
Hope this helps

Just received my Progress Anti-Sway Bar. The installation instructions say to jack the car up and remove the wheels, but the SoCal HHR Website says to leave the car on the ground.

Any thoughts about install preference?

Bryan Hoyer
Sport Red 1LT

I've read where alot of people have been able to crawl underneath without having to lift vehicle at all to install the swaybar. That wasn't the case for me...lol...I'm a little too big to do that 6'2" @ 235lbs. so I backed mine up on ramps. Worked out great. Took all 15 minutes. No tire removal needed.....
Regards...........

I'm 6' and about 230lbs and I fit :) Did it right in the driveway without taking anything off. My only problem was with my torque wrench.. it's long handled so it was a bit tricky, but it's very doable on the ground.

Used ramps, very easy!

Yes use ramps..

Just received my Progress Anti-Sway Bar. The installation instructions say to jack the car up and remove the wheels, but the SoCal HHR Website says to leave the car on the ground.

Any thoughts about install preference?

Bryan Hoyer
Sport Red 1LT


Bryan, why remove the wheels, if you have to jack the car up removing the wheels isn't going to help. If I may make a suggestion, get yourself a set of Rhino Ramps ( WallMart, AutoZone, etc. ), for the price it will probabaly be one of the best investments you'll ever make.

Al

Bryan, why remove the wheels, if you have to jack the car up removing the wheels isn't going to help. If I may make a suggestion, get yourself a set of Rhino Ramps ( WallMart, AutoZone, etc. ), for the price it will probabaly be one of the best investments you'll ever make.

Al

OK...the dinghy blonde has a question. :lol: What's the difference between regular car ramps and the Rhino ramps you speak of? :confused: :lol:

OK...the dinghy blonde has a question. :lol: What's the difference between regular car ramps and the Rhino ramps you speak of? :confused: :lol:

They're made of genuine imitation rhino-hide!

It's the brand name. And they're made of plastic instead of metal.

Ramps will only work on the rear of the HHR. http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/545/downhy4.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Ramps will only work on the rear of the HHR. http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/545/downhy4.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Why's that?

Just wondering cause mine has been used on the front with no problem.

They're made of genuine imitation rhino-hide!
:laughabov :rof: :rof: :laughabov
Thanks Mike...now I know. :lol:

No ramps, no jacks, and I did not (obviously) remove the rear tires. I will second the torque wrench being a bit difficult to use with so little room. If you have ramps, use them. It will make it easier to use the torque wrench :smile:

Why's that?

Just wondering cause mine has been used on the front with no problem.I don't know what type you have, but I've got your average metal ones and the front of the HHR on both sides of the wheel is way too low, probably 2 inches. Backing the rear tires on to the ramps is the only way it works. I haven't seen any variant of a ramp that has a gradual enough incline that would work with the HHR (front).

I don't know what type you have, but I've got your average metal ones and the front of the HHR on both sides of the wheel is way too low, probably 2 inches. Backing the rear tires on to the ramps is the only way it works. I haven't seen any variant of a ramp that has a gradual enough incline that would work with the HHR (front).

I'll have to check the brand but they're plastic and I bought them at AutoZone. They do have a longer incline than what I'm used to seeing. That may be why.

I'd like to get a set of those.. I checked all the usual places and could only find ones of similar incline and height.

I'd like to get a set of those.. I checked all the usual places and could only find ones of similar incline and height.
I'll check in the morning and let ya know!;)

I'll check in the morning and let ya know!;)

Mike, Most likely you have a set of the Rhino Ramps, http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker/?UseCase=C003&UserAction=answerQuestion&Parameters=Ramps .

Al

Mike, Most likely you have a set of the Rhino Ramps, http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker/?UseCase=C003&UserAction=answerQuestion&Parameters=Ramps .

Al

That's it! Thanks, now I don't have to look. I got the 8000lb. also has a 12000lb.

http://www.autozone.com/images/products/blz/blz11903003.jpg

That's it! Thanks, now I don't have to look. I got the 8000lb. also has a 12000lb.

No problem, the 8000lb. GVW capacity ones will work just fine for the HHR, both have 17 degree inclines.

Thanks for the install help. I'm a chesty 6'1 230 and I installed them on the ground, but backed up on a couple of 2X4s for the final torqueing.

I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains CA and drive on windy roads daily. I'm really happy with the HHR but the stock suspension was pretty mushy. The sway bar really helped the cornering stability. I have no interest in mods to gain a few percent of this or that, this was defineately worthwhile.

Bryan Hoyer
Sport Red 1LT
now with sway bar! and a KnN Air Filter

Well I finally broke down and ordered my anti sway bar from socal this weekend. I have been trying to decide what to do next and as much as I wanted to order the CGS it's gonna have to wait till I get this done. I know you folks said it's an easy install and I hope you're right because this is something I've never done before but I do a lot of highway driving and I'd like to have better control at high speeds. They drive like maniacs here in Michigan and you've got to stay on your toes all the time.

Well I finally broke down and ordered my anti sway bar from socal this weekend. I have been trying to decide what to do next and as much as I wanted to order the CGS it's gonna have to wait till I get this done. I know you folks said it's an easy install and I hope you're right because this is something I've never done before but I do a lot of highway driving and I'd like to have better control at high speeds. They drive like maniacs here in Michigan and you've got to stay on your toes all the time.

Guaranteed absolute piece of cake !!!!:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Well I finally broke down and ordered my anti sway bar from socal this weekend. I have been trying to decide what to do next and as much as I wanted to order the CGS it's gonna have to wait till I get this done. I know you folks said it's an easy install and I hope you're right because this is something I've never done before but I do a lot of highway driving and I'd like to have better control at high speeds. They drive like maniacs here in Michigan and you've got to stay on your toes all the time.

Man, you are right about those Michigan drivers:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I've never been in more aggressive driving in all my life than when I went through Detroit :eek: :lol: And I'm a Boston driver, you know, we are called Mass holes for a reason!:lol:
New York, New Jersey, got nothin' on Detroit!

The Anti swaybar is our friend, and boy do you need it :lol: ;)

Drive safely.

hows the swaybar work?

I just order mine from socal. Hope that I get them before the cfl g2g on the 16th.
Can not wait to get it on.
Karen


Karen.. it will greatly help.....

Man, you are right about those Michigan drivers:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I've never been in more aggressive driving in all my life than when I went through Detroit :eek: :lol: And I'm a Boston driver, you know, we are called Mass holes for a reason!:lol:
New York, New Jersey, got nothin' on Detroit!

The Anti swaybar is our friend, and boy do you need it :lol: ;)

Drive safely.
^^^LMAO :laughabov :rof:^^^
That's some funny stuff... but seriously- when I drive to and from work everyday I'm like... :guns:
(Sad, but true)

Heck, I hear driving in Boston has it's own challenges (cement falling from the ceilings at the Big Dig, etc...) - just havin' fun:thumb:

WOW! Installed the Progressive Anti-sway bar purchased over E-Bay and what a fantastic difference in the roadability of my niffty HHR! Thanks for all the input posted on this thread. Really impressed with the helpful articles.

It occurred to me during the installation that the some of the after market hitches being sold may use the same holes used to install the anti-sway bar.

If that is so, could one install them both? Has anoyone installed them both?

Mister EZ:bow: :bow:

Got my sway bar last nite from socal ( super fast delivery ) and plan to put it on tonite if not raining. Will let you know how much of a difference it makes on the highway dodging pot holes, other drivers and the occasional bullet. have a great weekend folks:thumb:

Well I got home from work today and no rain so out came the ramps, loc Tite, torque wrench, and sockets. I was almost embarassed it was so easy! I'll bet it was on the ramps no more than 10 minutes! Haven't tested it yet but will advise you later. Thanks for the advise and encouragement. I have a tendency to mindf-ck some jobs before I get started and tend to worry about not doing it right. That's just me.:red:

I don't have any ramps, but it almost looks like you could reach far enough to hook up the bar just laying on the ground! I didn't actually try it, cause I don't have a swaybar yet. Has anyone else tried installing one that way??

Several owners have installed the bar while on the ground. It's very easy. The important part is; whether on the ground or a lift - both wheels must be at the same height, so there is no abnormal torque present between wheels when tightening the bolts. You should never jack up one side, install the bar, then do the other side, as this can cause a counter-torque to get "locked" into the bar. Both wheels need to be relaxed in the same manner. For this reason I like to install sway bars either on the ground or on a ramp-type lift.

Hope it helps,

Preload can be a good thing if you are racing. lol.

WOW! Installed the Progressive Anti-sway bar purchased over E-Bay and what a fantastic difference in the roadability of my niffty HHR! Thanks for all the input posted on this thread. Really impressed with the helpful articles.

It occurred to me during the installation that the some of the after market hitches being sold may use the same holes used to install the anti-sway bar.

If that is so, could one install them both? Has anoyone installed them both?

Mister EZ:bow: :bow:
Don't know if a hitch use the same holes but, it would need to be a very light hitch. The HHR is only rated a 1000# total. 4 men would just about put the vehicle at that end of the spectrum. A small trailer, 2 people and an off road bike would make about the same limit.

Search on this forum. It was a thread topic a couple of times.

...or just use the jack.



:eek: :eek: That suggestion is both stupid and dangerous!!

Never go under a car without it safely being supported! Never with a hydraulic jack supporting even part of the car!!

Use either ramps or fully supported by jackstands.

Remember, Darwin Awards are only given to those that survive! ;) :lol:

Remember, Darwin Awards are only given to those that survive! ;) :lol:
Actually, the regular Darwin Awards are given to those that don't survive. Darwin Awards "Honorable Mentions" are given to those who do survive.

I thought the Darwin Awards were only given to those who evolved?

www.darwinawards.com
We salute the improvement of the human genome
by honoring those who remove themselves from it.
Of necessity, this honor is generally bestowed posthumously.

ok...so today I was under my car...it was on a drive-on lift, so no awards, or even nominations are necessary...but thanks.

anyway...I noticed something odd...or lack of odd...or just plain lack of..

there is no real sway bar on the back of a 2LT. there is what they call a "torsional rigidity" bar that travels across the "dead axle" or 'carrier support" frame that is FORWARD of the rear spidles.

this is no sway bar. This is a piece of structural regitity to promote equal traction, stiffen the rear suspension by means of providing side-to-side strength.

But a sway bar, it is not. a sawy bar, or "anti roll" bar is mounted to the "travel" point of a suspension component to equalize the suspension movement from side to side during a change in load caused by inertia.

when you turn left, the load is forced to the right, thus putting more load on the right side suspension, causing it to compress. At the same time, it un-loads the left side suspension, creating a "light spot" on the vehicle's chassis, and can cause handling problems, overload of one side of the car, and unequal amounts of traction.

a sway bar, or "anti-roll" bar attaches to both travel locations of the rear suspension, so that when one side compresses due to load, it pulls the other side with it so that the inertia doesnt have such a strong affect on load equations. In other words, if you compress the right rear suspension by turning left, a anti-roll bar will also compress the left rear suspension to create a level driving plain, to promote equal traction.

since the factory 'sway bar' is mounted in a fixed position on a non-moving part of the rear suspension, it is NOT a sway bar, or anti-roll bar. it is a structural rigidity bar, and nothing more.

there is an old rule of thumb that pertains to rear sway bar thickness vs front sway bar thickness. it is said that the rear bar should never be thicker than the front. This is not always the case. many cars with true independent rear suspension can get away with adding a thicker rear bar than the front bar's diameter, and not end up with a 'tail wagging the dog" feeling...or overtseer.

the HHR's rear suspension design is explained by GM as:

" TORSION BEAM REAR SUSPENSION SEMI-INDEPENDENT WITH STABILIZER BAR AND COIL SPRINGS"

so...unless my car is missing its rear sway bar, in which I could not even see where it would mount, I dont know what to tell you folks as to what to buy.

does anyone have a picture of their rear swaybar installed?

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/2/4/EntireDSCN4444_476032.jpg

It is not a great picture, but you can see the gray sway bar running up under the rear axle. It mounts very easily in about 10 minutes. There is a plate for each side that has 2 nuts welded to it. You slip it inside the crossmember and hold it in place with a tab that sticks out. It aligns with 2 holes already there. Then, you bolt the sway bar through the holes and into the plate with the nuts. I didn't even need to jack up the car.

It really does improve the handling quite a bit!

so...it mounts to the rear of the trailing arms, and another two mouting points at the torsion axle bar cavity?

I like the dual exhaust...any other shots of that from behind?

I also see some black pieces on the bumper nerfs...

EDIT:

never mind...found it!

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/2/4/RearDSCN4464.jpg

No. I know most sway bars mount to the control arms and then to the chassis with rubber grommets. For the HHR, it basically connects the 2 wheels. It really does work, though.

My exhaust is not your typical dual system. The passanger side bypasses the muffler, and there is a collector right before the exhaust tip. By placing a solid plate between the 2, the dual is just for show and everything goes through the muffler. Removing the plate opens the exhaust, and a plate with holes in it is a balance of the two.

Actually, the regular Darwin Awards are given to those that don't survive. Darwin Awards "Honorable Mentions" are given to those who do survive. It's given to those who remove themselves from the gene pool. They don't have to be dead, there have been a couple of awards to those who removed themselves by...removing the ability to contribute:eek:
http://www.darwinawards.com/rules/rules1.html

there is no real sway bar on the back of a 2LT. there is what they call a "torsional rigidity" bar that travels across the "dead axle" or 'carrier support" frame that is FORWARD of the rear spidles.

this is no sway bar. This is a piece of structural regitity to promote equal traction, stiffen the rear suspension by means of providing side-to-side strength.
It does function as a sway bar. Ignoring the flex beam, which is really there to keep the wheels pointing in the right direction, the rear suspension consists basically of a pair of swing arms, which rotate upwards as the wheel is loaded, so that the sway bar exerts a downward force on the loaded wheel, ans upward on the less loaded one through the torsional stiffness of the bar. It doesn't need the mount to the body to 'communicate' this deflection to the bar, since the height difference of the body from side to side is reflected in the position of the swing arm pivots.

gotcha...

reminds me of some older 80's Chryslers...

I was looking at the image above, and it looked like the swaybar(aftermarket) mounted to the "dead axle" frame, and extended rearward to the trailing arms...but its hard to tell.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/2/4/EntireDSCN4444_476032.jpg


UPDATE...I thought so. it DOES extend and attach to the rear trailing arms. No WONDER it's an improvement over stock:

http://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/files/3/8/8/7/IMG00108.jpg

it looked like the swaybar(aftermarket) mounted to the "dead axle" frame, and extended rearward to the trailing arms...but its hard to tell.

UPDATE...I thought so. it DOES extend and attach to the rear trailing arms.

The rear trailing arms are the only point of attachment.

Me likes...me buying one soon.
thanks folks. Love this place!

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/MWG2/Swaybar.jpg

MWG2...your sway bar looks different than all the others I have seen. it extends past the torsion box, and appears to mount differently.

Well...not sure if that makes a difference...I will tell you this...the HHR handles a lot better since it was installed...I can take turns flat out at 50 MPH with no problems.

A little out of focus, but here is where it connects:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/MWG2/swaybar2.jpg

whose bar is that?(manuf)
anyone else run this bar?

I am curious why it sextends past the torsion box(box frame that runs across the car with the torsional support beam)

The mounting locations look to be more stable in yours, MWG2...but I am curious about how forward it sits, that's all.

Smoke, I'm sorry but I don't know who the manufacturer of the bar is; I purchased the bar from Trick Trucks in Frederick, MD, and they also installed it. But I will call them and ask them. I took the pictures today while the tires were being installed. Many folks have asked to see the sway bar (on another forum). So I thought you all would like to see the sway bar too. MAN, it really has made a difference!!

For more info on the green sway bar.........

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4949

UPDATE for SMOKE: I pulled the bill and it states: "Suspension Techniques" for the sway bar.

UPDATE for SMOKE: I pulled the bill and it states: "Suspension Techniques" for the sway bar.

Hey, that sounds familiar! Where'd I hear that just recently............Oh yeah, post #10 of the link I provided!!!:lol:

Hey, that sounds familiar! Where'd I hear that just recently............Oh yeah, post #10 of the link I provided!!!:lol:

Yes...but I still wanted to check the bill to see if it was on there (to be sure).

I love my swaybar

Installed the Progress sway bar tonight and test drove about 30 or so combined city/highway miles. It really does feel more buttoned down all around. Lane changes, on ramps and even straight line cruising feels more connected to the road. A very worthy investment and highly recommended.:thumb:

I am having trouble finding a Suspension Techniques bar online. Plus, they are listed as only a 19mm rear bar, where-as the Progress Tech from "never enough" is 22mm.

I also noticed there is a difference in the length of the S.T.'s bar vs the P.T.'s bar......the S.T. bar extends further forward, and seems to have a more duable mounting method.

I think I'll go with a P.T. rear bar...it's thicker, and is easier to find.

any other pro's/con's anyone cares to offer for either bar?

Its probably going to be a couple of months atleast before you can get your hands on one but TTR is about to come out with. Its a 1 inch bar, and they have a pre production group buy going on on a cobalt forum with i think about 80 people on it, as far as i can tell there is going to be more than 50 that are going to buy. Thats going to be atleast the first run that is completely sold out already (and i am one of them). If i remember it was actually designed on the HHR, so shoot them a PM and find out.

14 hours to paint the bar red to match the car (sorry Progress, your powder coat was beautiful and well done but it just clashed with the Victory Red car) and let the paint dry and 10 minutes to install by myself. Fit was perfect and install easy. For those without a lift, use ramps. Put the sway bar center on a cardboard box to raise it and position under the beam. Raise ends, start one bolt on one side (don't forget the washer) install bolts on other side, install last bolt and then tighten to specified torque. Now for a drive.................

Here's another note on sway bars:

If you add a rear sway bar, you should change the front sway bar to a thicker one to keep the handling similar to the factory design.
Steve

If You did this Would it bring you back the "Push" the car originally had?

I was also looking at these any reveiws on em'? and does any one know What 1 1/16" and 3/4" convert to in mm, just to compare size. http://www.advancespeedshop.com/st-suspensions-sway-bar-kit-06up-chevrolet-hhr-fr-pn-52490-p-819.html

1 1/16"=27mm and 3/4"=19mm. Hope this helps.:smile:

Yes it would bring back the push the original car had. The degree of oversteer and understeer depends on the front vs rear sway bar. I have the rear progress tech sway bar and it has caused my car to almost oversteer in some cases, which is what I like. Understeer ("pushing") is generally safer, but will interfere with good handling when you push the car hard (and know what you're doing). It all depends on what YOU want for YOUR car, there is no "right answer" for everyone on the understeer vs oversteer issue. Most front wheel drive cars understeer pretty heavily from the factory.

There was a post on this forum somewhere from Hib Halverson that did a real good job of describing the pluses and minuses of adding a rear sway bar and changing the handling balance.

Steve

There was a post on this forum somewhere from Hib Halverson that did a real good job of describing the pluses and minuses of adding a rear sway bar and changing the handling balance.

For your reading enjoyment :D

http://chevyhhr.net/forums/showpost.php?p=222761&postcount=29

Yes it would bring back the push the original car had. The degree of oversteer and understeer depends on the front vs rear sway bar. I have the rear progress tech sway bar and it has caused my car to almost oversteer in some cases, which is what I like. Understeer ("pushing") is generally safer, but will interfere with good handling when you push the car hard (and know what you're doing). It all depends on what YOU want for YOUR car, there is no "right answer" for everyone on the understeer vs oversteer issue. Most front wheel drive cars understeer pretty heavily from the factory.

There was a post on this forum somewhere from Hib Halverson that did a real good job of describing the pluses and minuses of adding a rear sway bar and changing the handling balance.

Steve

The HHR is NOT going to oversteer without some major weight transferring ,brake input ,or lifting on the throttle mid corner sway bar or not.

That link does point out some of the reasons I decided not to get a rear bar.
I had one on a previous car, and the way it "skipped" around typical high speed corners was just plain scary. :eek: Would be a different story on a nice smooth racetrack though.

I finally installed my Progress Tech's rear bar. Now mind you, I dont drive my 08 2LT like its a Porsche. What I have noticed is getting on the freeway, making spirited lane changes, etc are noticeably more controlled now. The car doesnt lean as much. Also, I thought by tying the rear control arms would make it more clunky going over bumps. It's just the opposite. Im happy with my results.

You have found a "nice smooth racetrack" Nascar & F1 is looking for one

I finally installed my Progress Tech's rear bar. Now mind you, I dont drive my 08 2LT like its a Porsche. What I have noticed is getting on the freeway, making spirited lane changes, etc are noticeably more controlled now. The car doesnt lean as much. Also, I thought by tying the rear control arms would make it more clunky going over bumps. It's just the opposite. Im happy with my results.

I put mine on yesterday, it is a noticeable difference it is still very balanced at the limit they should have put this on stock.

That link does point out some of the reasons I decided not to get a rear bar.
I had one on a previous car, and the way it "skipped" around typical high speed corners was just plain scary. :eek:
Anything with a solid beam axle is going to skip, with or without a sway bar.

My other FWD cars with solid/beam axles did.

Wow! Hib Halverson's article above, is awesome! Well done! That said, my plans are for; Eibach Pro Kit 1" front, 1.6" rear drop, KYB struts and shocks, Eibach 25mm rear swaybar, on top of 18/45/225 Continetal Extreme Contacts, Enkei wheels with a 42mm offset. I may change the wheels to stocks SS issue if I can find the "right" wheels (Enkei is out of stock). From what I have heard, this should pretty closely approximate the SS suspension, maybe a tad stiffer. I love this group!

OK, so I have a dumb question. I've read this whole thread, and I still not sure.
Is the rear stock anti-sway bar on 2LT, just a larger/thicker cross member stiffener (inside the "V" shaped piece with holes)?

The aftermarket anti sway bars clearly are an additional piece.

Is there a way to tell just by looking at the two rear axles? i.e. comparing a 2LT to a 1LT or LS?

Thanks!