Front strut service life ?
Senior Member
Joined: 01-21-2010
Posts: 1,700
From: The Middie OHIO
I found the struts on ebay for $62/strut SHIPPED from roadtripoutfitters. Partstrain.com had the KYB shocks for $57 shipped...for the pair.
oh, for anyone looking for hub assemblies, also found on ebay for $75 shipped (non-abs) from Dearborn Axle.
oh, for anyone looking for hub assemblies, also found on ebay for $75 shipped (non-abs) from Dearborn Axle.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-21-2007
Posts: 175
From: Space
I just did KYB's up front with the SS springs
https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...4464700002.jpg
Anyone ever see a floating HHR? haha
https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...1459070001.jpg
To the best of my knowledge, the previous owner never did front struts on my HHR...I've put 20k on it (108k now) and just did the struts. They were absolutely smoked! Next to NO pressure on them at all. We turned them upside down and stood them up on the "post" and the weight of the strut itself started to push the post in. To my surprise most, if not all, of the clunks are gone in my car. Shoulda done them with the rear shocks I did this summer, but didn't have the loot. BTW, my struts were NOT leaking, so for what it's worth, the "if they not leaking they not broke" theory isn't correct, at least in my case.
https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...4464700002.jpg
Anyone ever see a floating HHR? haha
https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...1459070001.jpg
To the best of my knowledge, the previous owner never did front struts on my HHR...I've put 20k on it (108k now) and just did the struts. They were absolutely smoked! Next to NO pressure on them at all. We turned them upside down and stood them up on the "post" and the weight of the strut itself started to push the post in. To my surprise most, if not all, of the clunks are gone in my car. Shoulda done them with the rear shocks I did this summer, but didn't have the loot. BTW, my struts were NOT leaking, so for what it's worth, the "if they not leaking they not broke" theory isn't correct, at least in my case.
I would expect the stock struts to last 40k at most , maybe 60k with an old lady drivin. Personally would take the FE5s over the KYBs but anything is better than stock 
Senior Member
Joined: 01-21-2010
Posts: 1,700
From: The Middie OHIO
The guy I bought it from (family member) literally drove it about a mile to the highway, 40 miles south, another mile to the office and back everyday. Literally ALL highway, everyday for 4+ years. He didn't replace the stock front rotors or tires until 74k. I have the receipts as proof. I asked him repeatedly if he had any other work done...even went to the dealer that he had all the work done at to see the records.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-28-2009
Posts: 154
From: south carolina
struts are an big money maker in the repair industry. if the oil or the gas&oil inside a strut don't leak out the struts don't lose there damping ability. so unless its making noise,rusted out or the valves inside have broken which is very rare it should in no way be unsafe. I have seen lots of struts go for 100,000 mile plus and they are still going strong with no excess tire wear or danger. This is my opinion based on being an auto tech of 18 years. with that said if you have the money to send and you want peice of mine then by all means replace them as often as you like but I beleve that there money will better spent fixing the noise which is probably sway bar links and or bushing as was mentioned by 843de above.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-28-2009
Posts: 154
From: south carolina
Just curious, but you stated that you turned wrenches for 18 yrs. "I had the links replaced". Don't you do your own wrenchin anymore, or did I misunderstand? If so, I offer my humble regrets.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-28-2009
Posts: 154
From: south carolina
They have a grease zerk on top of the housing which is oriented to a hole in the poly bushing. This "hole" goes all the way through to the sway bar. The grease zerk goes partway into the bushing to keep it from rotating out of place.Hence this is how the grease gets to where it is supposed to go. They've been on the market for around 20 years.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-24-2007
Posts: 2,873
From: Seville. OH
They have a grease zerk on top of the housing which is oriented to a hole in the poly bushing. This "hole" goes all the way through to the sway bar. The grease zerk goes partway into the bushing to keep it from rotating out of place.Hence this is how the grease gets to where it is supposed to go. They've been on the market for around 20 years.
Senior Member
Joined: 02-16-2009
Posts: 6,038
From: Frankenmuth/Flint, MI