wolfmanjeffrey

I bought Koni sports struts and shocks for my HHR, and man let me tell you, it is WORK to install them. There great sport struts and they are fully adjustable! The ride with some good springs? AMAZING, Even the SS doesn’t ride this nice! BUT the ONLY major drawback is the front KONI struts are a bolt in cartridge replacement. And as many of you know thet HHR and cobalt use one-piece throw-away struts, so get what you get to do?
CUT, drill, and press fit!
This is not a problem is you have the tools and do not mind the labor! Here’s what’s involved for a HHR KONI front strut replacement:

1. Remove the original strut and make some measurements according to the KONI instructions.
2. CUT the top 14 MM or so of the strut off, allowing you to remove the stock guts. (this is very messy)
3. Drill a 14 MM hole in the dead center of the bottom of the strut
4. Clean out any burs and flush all the old oil from the body of the old strut
5. Press fit the new cartridge into the strut body, this does take a bit of doing, and a bearing press is recommended to carefully and fully seat the cartridge all the way down.
6. Install the bottom lock bolt with locktight.
7. Reassemble the springs and reinstall.

Fun Hu?

JoeR

Did the Konis over a year ago and love them. Have TC springs and TTR rear bar.

It's really kind of easy. No need to get ALL the oil out of the tube. No need for a press. A few light taps with a rubber mallet will get them started to where the bottom bolt will reach the threads and pull the rest of the way in from there.

They are NOT fully adjustable. Only adjustment (F&R) is for rebound.

Great setup!! Much better than any other options.