Hi Folks, Is anyone here well versed in the HHR factory suspension parts? Any GM dealer counter parts guys? I have some questions about the various FE-1, FE-3, SS springs, shocks, etc. I understand that the base HHR has all base FE-1 components. I was informed that the 2LT FE-3 has the base springs, but Sachs shocks and stiffer bushings. The SS has stiffer shocks, springs and the FE-3 bushings. Is this correct?

Elvis is an '09 2LT FE-3. I rode in STRYKER's earlier 2LT and we both noted that his is much less harsh riding. Others with earlier 2LT's say their HHR's ride nice. Even with Kumho tires (which helped), I still feel every crack in the road. Did the '09 2LT FE-3 get stiffer components? Can anyone check factory part numbers on '08 FE-3 versus '09 FE-3?

Many thanks and God Bless, Marc

 

There are no specs for the hardness of the bushings.The SS front bar bushings can be had separately but the bar is of a different diameter than the non SS cars.The forward bushings on the front lower arms are different on the SS(but not between the FE1 and FE3) and can be purchased(current MSRP is $14.72 each).There is no difference in the rear bushing from level to level.The springs are the same,front and rear, on FE1 and FE3 suspensions,the struts and shocks are different.For 2009 there looks to have been a change in the rear spring.

 

Tony,

You are The Man! Many thanks for that excellent information. So....there is a difference in at least the rear springs starting in '09. Hmmmm.....

I am thinking about putting a set of Cobalt SS/SC ('o6-'o7) rear springs in Elvis to lower the rear CG and get rid of the stinkbug look. SSGuy has noted that he didn't see an increase in ride harshness when he installed the SS/TC springs, so the softer SS/SC springs may be the cat's meow for me.

Did the listing show the same Sachs shocks for '08 and '09? I hate to bug you, but you are the keeper of "gold" information right now.

Many thanks, and God Bless, Marc

 

One last question....I have the part number for the Cobalt SS/Supercharged '07 rear springs as #10390024. Is that valid in your books? Do you have a suggestion for a good place to find these, and what would be a good price? Many thanks again, and God Bless, Marc

 

Your '07 Cobalt rear spring number is correct.That's the rear spring number whether the Cobalt is an SS or an SS/Supercharged.
The service part number for the HHR FE3 rear shocks is the same for 2008 to 2010.If there was a change in the OEM part it's impossible to know by looking in the catalog.

 

Question Z
what are the differences between FE1 Touring, FE3 Sport and FE5 Performance, as to spring and shock comparisions,

 

The FE5,being the SS,has it's own set of springs,shocks/struts,and bushings.The FE1 and FE3 share springs and bushings but have different shocks/struts.

 

Thanks, do you know by chance what the spring heights are for the fe5 in mm. trying to see what the drop would be with other springs, Pedders are 612 mm rear and 605 mm frt. thanks agian for your help

 

I know folks have been looking for this sort of info for a while. Tony has really helped a lot of us out with this. I wish someone would make it a sticky. :-) Thanks again Tony! God Bless, Marc

 

Can't measure drop by spring height,,,,different wound springs will yeild different weight on wheels height even though they are the same static height.
Most any aftermarket spring on the SS will drop around 1 in because its already lower then the LS/LT's, the LS/LT will drop further because the initial height is higher. Unlike any other car out there the SS has no wide choices for anything.The only way to go lower then a 1 in drop is to use the expensive coil over set ups.
A few have tried GL's and Pedders and resulted in about the same drop with no ride complaints...yet.