I know there has been other members that have had the key stuck issue, think that is something in the sterring column itself. As far as the clunking, if it does it when you go over bumps? If so that would be sway bar end link issues( I had one come apart on my other HHR), but if it clunks when you turn the steering wheel, that has to do with the intermediate shaft in the steering. Either issue it is ok to drive for a lil bit, but would recommend gettin it checked out and fixed soon though.

 

What part of Ohio are you in?

 

So I finally got a chance today to have the clunking noise checked out at a local tire/suspension shop I use. Turns out the clunking is the strut bearing. Gave me a price of $368.00 and change to fix it, or $658.00 and change to replace the struts. The quick struts are sounding more like the way to go....new spring, strut, mount plate and bearing for approximately $235/set. Shop stated the sway bar bushings and end links looked fine.......for now at least. Thanks everyone for all of your posts, replies and advice......I love this site.

 

KM,

Be very careful with that diagnosis; I hate to sound presumptious but, we know more about HHRs than most shops.

More of us have seen this problem than the shops have, so if they are not HHR experts they are just guessing at what it "could be" or "usually is".

QR

 

x2... I received the same answer on a shop about 2 years ago... I would purchase two sway bar bushings ($30) and install them... begin from the cheapest solutions ALWAYS!!!!

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I was already leaning towards the sway bar busihings first and then see how it sounds. After that (if the problem still persists) I am going to switch out the struts using quick struts myself and then the end links if the problem still hasn't been solved. Again, I appreciate everyone on this site looking out for each other and offering help.