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how to improve ride quality?

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Old 07-31-2010, 07:30 PM
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edb
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how to improve ride quality?

I have a 07 2LT, the rear suspension is a bit too stiff to me. What can I do to improve my ride quality? spring, shock absorber or something else?

Thank you for any input.
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Old 07-31-2010, 07:36 PM
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The LS springs are softer than the 2LT (FE3) sport suspension. This would effect handling of course..... anything that softened the ride would. A switch to 16" rims with a taller sidewall tire could help also depending on the tire.
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Old 07-31-2010, 11:28 PM
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You can soften the rear by adding Cobalt SS/SC rear springs, they will level the ride also.. But are softer riding..

& as to the HHR springs, All are the same (except SS), FE3 is stiffer struts & rear shocks ONLY..
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Old 08-01-2010, 06:23 AM
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Originally Posted by sleeper
FE3 is stiffer struts & rear shocks ONLY..
Thanks for the clarification.... thought the springs were different too.
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Old 08-01-2010, 01:16 PM
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The ride is pretty stiff, I agree. I also get comments from rear seat passengers, that there is a lot of road noise in the back, apparently far more than the front seat occupants can hear. Mine, by the way is an LS with the 16 inch rims. Still have the OEM firestones on it, but some time in the next six months will change those to Michelin's, probably the Hydroedge. Have those on my wife's Toyota and they are great tires.
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Old 08-01-2010, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by sleeper
You can soften the rear by adding Cobalt SS/SC rear springs, they will level the ride also.. But are softer riding..

& as to the HHR springs, All are the same (except SS), FE3 is stiffer struts & rear shocks ONLY..
soft and lower, will the Cobalt SS/SC rear springs cause any problem?
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Old 08-01-2010, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by edb
soft and lower, will the Cobalt SS/SC rear springs cause any problem?
Nope, fact is there are many, many here using those very springs in the rear of their HHR's.. Lower by approx 1-1/4" (after settling on New springs)..
They are GM Part # 10390024 for 2005 / 06, & 07 Cobalt SS/SC cars..
You may find a pair in the classifieds here...

Here's some that are using them: etc..https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...=16170&page=24


I chose the Cobalt SS/TC springs, cause I haul stuff. But my ride quality is still very good & comparable to my 2LT set-up... Mine dropped 1" which is all I wanted to go..
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Old 08-16-2010, 09:13 PM
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I replaced my Firestone Firehawks with Falken Ziex tires.

Extreme handling: -0.5
Ride: +3
Wet traction: +2
Noise: +2

It is the single biggest difference in ride for my car. Much better!
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Old 08-17-2010, 01:57 AM
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If you level the ride height you may need to adjust your head lights. After I lowered mine, which leveled it, I was getting flashed alot until I adjusted my lights down a bit
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