Hello everyone, I own a 2007 LT HHR and finally the original struts (front end) have given up and the rear ones aren't in a very good shape either, so I'm going to change all four.
I took it to the chevrolet dealership for a quote, since I live in mexico the prices are skyhigh ($ 720 us dlls aprox. Plus installation), since the aftermarket here is very limited, I'm going to buy them online (I live near Arizona so I can go and pick them up), so anyway here's the deal: I need help deciding wich model to buy, the guy at the dealer gave me the number part and told me that the parts they would buy if I took the car to them will be ac delco and I havr found them online as follows:

ACDelco 560-546 rear shock absorbers (X2) --- $46.20 each
ACDelco 506-705 front suspension strut ------- $94.12
ACDelco 506-706 front suspension strut ------- $75.46

Now, I've been doing some research and I've been getting a lotof recommendations for the following setup (I can get both in amazon.com):

KYB 349043 GR-2 shock absorbers (X2) ------- $28.94 each
KYB 339084 GR-2 suspension strut ----------- $71.38
KYB 339085 GR-2 suspension strut ----------- $71.38

Allegedly they're both compatible, but sincemy original suspension is "soft" would this change if I go with the Kyb's?, I've been reading some about the suspension being F1, F3 or F5, how do I know wich corresponds with what?, If possible I'd like to keep a softer ride, and the installation would be done by a professional, so in essence wichway should I go?

Thanks a lot for any help you guys could give.

 

Welcome -

2 struts in front, & only 2 shocks in back, easy to replace..

As to the FE stuff..

FE1 = LS & 1LT HHR (soft)

FE3 = 2LT HHR (sport tuned, & firmer).

FE5 = SS HHR ( Best tuned & The Firmest ride of all)..

There are several members who are very happy with KYB parts.

 

check out rockauto if the price is better.

 

Thanks a lot for the response, I'm leaning toward the KYBs, about the FE question, I've seen that the ACDelco parts are rated as FE1 so they are what i have now, but I havent been able to figure out if the KYBs are FE1 or FE3.

And yes the Rockauto parts are better priced but, since amazon does provide free shipping is cheaper with amazon

 

I used the KYB's from RockAuto and I am very happy with them. Not a noticeable ride difference as far as being rougher but the handling is better. I do not regret using them.

 

KYBs are FE3 plus about 10-15%....work fine with the softer springs..

 

Jcan Welcome from Maine.. Do you get hit with a Big Border Tax for Net Sales like they do in Canada?Just curious! Good thing your close to the border so you can pick them up here,,

 

If you are going to do the work yourself, it is a much easier job with Quick struts. The include the springs, so it is a simple job of about 8 bolts and no special tools and no fear of death.

 

Yeah but quickstruts give you the cheesy struts (stock soft)

 

I have switch around fe-5 and fe-3 springs and struts, I'm going back to Fe-3 in my yyz1 spring on the daily driver. Fe5 rides stiff and handles flat like a pancake with these springs, no swaybar.