Recommended Maintenance

swerv0428 · 04-16-2012, 02:28 PM

Hey everyone. I have a 2009 HHR LS. It has 66000 miles on it. I have done all oil changes myself every 4-5000 miles. New filter everytime as well. Other than that I have bought new tires and just recently got the airaid intake installed. What would you recommend I do for maintenance at this time? Car runs perfect. Only complaints are squeaky brakes and a slight clunk over bumps on the passenger front suspension. Just would like to know what should be done at this time?
Thanks everyone.

843de · 04-16-2012, 02:38 PM

You really have nothing major due on the service schedule until 100,000 miles, then its a transmission service and a couple other minor things like new spark plugs.

I would either adjust or have the rear brakes adjusted up, HHR's are known for having marginally effective self adjusters on the rear drum brakes, well OK...to be honest they just don't work, so have the brakes adjusted at every oil change or tire rotation.

The squeaking you are hearing might be a set of front brakes nearing the end of their service lives, they are equipped with a "noise maker" that will emit a screeching when the pads are pretty close to worn out. So have the front brakes checked and serviced as necessary.

The clunking is most likely the sway bar end links or sway bar bushings, they are the main culprits of the phenomenon called the "HHR Clunk", here's one of a few threads on the noise and its cures.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24799

swerv0428 · 04-16-2012, 03:59 PM

Thanks for the reply. it has been clunking for like 20,000 miles over bumps. I know there is a thread about adjusting the drum brakes. Can anyone give me a quick run down on how to adjust the drums. Never had a car with drums so this is new to me. Thanks

843de · 04-16-2012, 04:14 PM

Give this thread a read, there's an imbedded YouTube "How To" video, plus lots of good tips.

The most important thing is to have a quality jack and jack stands, never try to use the factory tire changing jack for anything except changing a flat tire.

http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36754

04-16-2012, 02:38 PM	#2
843de Premium Member Join Date: 06-30-2010 Location: Washington D.C. Member #: 21740 Posts: 19,394 Images: 53	You really have nothing major due on the service schedule until 100,000 miles, then its a transmission service and a couple other minor things like new spark plugs. I would either adjust or have the rear brakes adjusted up, HHR's are known for having marginally effective self adjusters on the rear drum brakes, well OK...to be honest they just don't work, so have the brakes adjusted at every oil change or tire rotation. The squeaking you are hearing might be a set of front brakes nearing the end of their service lives, they are equipped with a "noise maker" that will emit a screeching when the pads are pretty close to worn out. So have the front brakes checked and serviced as necessary. The clunking is most likely the sway bar end links or sway bar bushings, they are the main culprits of the phenomenon called the "HHR Clunk", here's one of a few threads on the noise and its cures. http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=24799 __________________ We won it, we won it, we won it!!! RDE 2/15/98 "My definition of an intellectual is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of the Lone Ranger." - Billy Connolly 4 HHR's(2011 "Boo Boo", 2007 "Paddington", 2007 "Bob 2", 2006 "Spousemobile")

04-16-2012, 04:14 PM	#4
843de Premium Member Join Date: 06-30-2010 Location: Washington D.C. Member #: 21740 Posts: 19,394 Images: 53	Give this thread a read, there's an imbedded YouTube "How To" video, plus lots of good tips. The most important thing is to have a quality jack and jack stands, never try to use the factory tire changing jack for anything except changing a flat tire. http://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36754 __________________ We won it, we won it, we won it!!! RDE 2/15/98 "My definition of an intellectual is someone who can listen to the William Tell Overture without thinking of the Lone Ranger." - Billy Connolly 4 HHR's(2011 "Boo Boo", 2007 "Paddington", 2007 "Bob 2", 2006 "Spousemobile")

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04-16-2012, 03:59 PM	#3
swerv0428 Senior Member Join Date: 04-04-2012 Location: Sarasota, FL Member #: 57006 Posts: 1,373 Images: 23	Thanks for the reply. it has been clunking for like 20,000 miles over bumps. I know there is a thread about adjusting the drum brakes. Can anyone give me a quick run down on how to adjust the drums. Never had a car with drums so this is new to me. Thanks