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2011 LT, 125,000 miles. just had 4 new Michelin Defender's installed and full alignment. The back end when i hit a bump or at highway speeds seems to really wander and shake from side to side. I don't think it is related to the recent tire install and alignment, but rather the rear shocks. The passenger side is leaking and when i push down a few times on the rear bumper the car continues to bounce. I have had cars with bad shocks but never the "swaying motion" i am experiencing to almost a loss of control of the rear end. Will replace shocks and reading here the KYB seem to be very popular. For 2 KYB it's about $125 at autozone. Rock Auto is selling the same model number for $26 each which seems ridiculously low. MonroeSpectrum Pasenger Part # 5779 are about $40/each and available today, the others i would have to order.
Looking for answers to:
Shock choice at the price points listed
Would it most likely be just the shocks causing the rear end sway or maybe another suspension part
Would the alignment have much to do with this even though the car tracks perfectly down the road after the alignment and new tires
Shocks yes, bouncy ride and swaying.
alignment wouldn’t have much to do with the sway.
I installed a Turbo Tech Racing rear sway bar it controls that rear sway much better, but Zi do like twisting roads.
I installed KYB Excellent-G 349043 shocks, limited lifetime warranty and they last a long time.
Make sure the bolts are torqued correctly!
Do the shocks first, see if control is better. While under there check the rubber bushings in the axle control arms... They should still be okay, but you have more miles than I do.
Monroe are good... I use the NAPA rebranded Monroe Spectrum.
If that is all done and you are still not satisfied with handling rear performance sway bars are very popular modification for the HHR. Mine handles like it's on rails...
AND Make sure the rear coil springs are intact and not broken. Several broken ones noted over the years on this forum.
(Oldblue or Don may have a picture they can post.)+
And if all else is good & you still want better handling, I'd suggest swapping the rear springs to Cobalt SS/SC, lowers the center of gravity, & almost levels the stance. I've had mine on since about '09 or '10
And if all else is good & you still want better handling, I'd suggest swapping the rear springs to Cobalt SS/SC, lowers the center of gravity, & almost levels the stance. I've had mine on since about '09 or '10
With the rear anti-sway bar.
X-2
I have a 2011 2LT with KYB Rear shocks .. the Rear sway bar and Cobalt SS/SC springs and it handles Super and sits level..
He says "I have had cars with bad shocks but never the "swaying motion" i am experiencing to almost a loss of control of the rear end." - I'd say if he is experiencing almost a loss of control of the rear end, it is definitely more than just shocks and sway bars. He needs to check all the rear suspension bushings and the springs themselves if it is as bad as he describes. .
