There's a clonk sound coming from the front left side when I turn, I asked my wife to start the car and turn slowly, what I notice, it seems the wheel turns and the spring turns slightly after which causes the spring to slip it seems, and that clonk sound happens every time the spring turns.

Any one have an idea, I was thinking the top strut mounts

thanks for any suggestions, my HHR 2009 Panel with 100,000 miles.

 

It could well be the strut mounts, but there is another possibility. You could have disintegrating spring isolators, when they fail the springs have metal to metal contact with the spring perches on the struts. That can allow the springs to "wind up" a bit, then snap back into place with a pop or clunk.

With 100k on the clock it's time for struts anyway, so do the struts, mounts, and isolaters all at the same time...that'll quiet things down.

 

That could be possible Mike. But I would be more inclined to think it's the strut "bearing" on the top. The plastic housing of that bearing is a magnet for road debris. That part fails and it will lock up and give you that clunk when you turn.
When I swapped springs, I was amazed at the dirt that had collected in the strut parts.( and I don't drive the SS in rainy weather or on dirt roads) Also amazed at how cheap looking that bearing seemed to be.

 

Very true, the bottoms of the mounts are in the line of fire from anything kicked up by the tires. They are "crap catchers" and every one I've changed has had grit worked into it.

 

I apologize that you have been experiencing this issue. I would like to do some research on your vehicle. Would you mind private messaging me your name, vehicle identification number (VIN), address, and current mileage? I appreciate your time and patience. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Jessica L.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Get quick struts and everything gets renewed for less labor & cost. No more searching for which component, they all get changed. Quick struts are cheaper, a lot less labor and not dangerous. And at 100K they ARE worn out.

 

Thanks a million guys for all your help, I have ordered the top strut mounts (because of the bearings) however, I may just replace the struts, what happens to my SS springs that I installed afterwards, when I order a new set of struts are the springs includes, or should I order the struts for an HHR SS model, would they fit.

 

Quick struts have the springs on them. If you have SS springs added to yours,best bet is to just get regular struts and swap the springs over. Not sure if there are quick struts for the SS(FE5 suspension)
If you are on regular struts, which suspenion do you have, FE1 or FE3?
If you wanted to go with the SS struts, it would be a stiffer, harsher ride in front. Not the best idea to put a mismatched SS front setup with a stock rear FE1 or FE3 spring/shock combo.

 

My HHR is a 2009 LS panel, and I replaced the 4 springs with the SS stock springs which I like because it actually lowered the vehicle perfectly.
I guess I have 3 choices, order the top mount strut for each side or purchase the Quick Struts but won't have my original SS springs.
Or go with the Quick struts for an SS but not sure if they would fit on my vehicle.
Can someone confirm if they would fit and if so would I get the same height as what I have presently.

Thanks guys

 

Pretty sure there are no QS for SS.