I changed out my springs yesterday on the quick struts and the there is a definite difference between the Cobalt springs that Monroe puts on the Quick Struts and the OEM HHR springs. I will post a picture later but the Quick Strut springs are not right and you will have a problem sooner or later if you are running with them. As I see it, the top spring coil rubs on the fender and also seems to sag too much which causes a rubbing with the next coil and the wear is obvious. In two weeks time, about 500 miles, and I drive on smooth roads, both springs where the rubbing was had all of the paint worn off and the spring had already started corroding. This is no good no matter what and is especially bad if you live where they use salt because the corrosion will be greatly accelerated. I can't see the spirng lasting very long even if you ignore the noise it is creating.

 

Good info - thanks for the update.

 

I used Quickstruts from NAPA. So far about 2000 miles and I have no problem, but am surely going to watch and listen closely.

 

Heh-heh... I am starting to have some problems now. Same deal as others with the crunching sound while hitting a bump and turning at the same time.
Went to the NAPA store where I bought them. They did some calling to Monroe and NAPA. Turns out Monroe is telling them that this part number was never intended for HHR. Only Cobalt. Napa's books and computer clearly state the part number for the HHR but there is no stipulation of which suspension they are even intended to replace. I have the FE-3 so these were probably wrong to begin with. Even bigger problem is I chucked my old units into the trash as one strut was clearly blown and leaking. They want to make it right but it may take a week or so to figure out how.

 

If it is just the spring (as barfan mentioned) that causes the problem, someone here might have a set of stock springs you could use to replace the Monroe ones.

 

Or NAPA should give you a new pair "to make it right"!!!!!!

 

AND Strut Bearings too! That's what I am lobbying for.

 

I've been watching this thread, because I have a boxed set of the Quick Struts sitting in my garage waiting for install on my 2006 HHR LT2. I had anticipated buying these last fall, but Monroe did not have an application listed for the HHR at that time. Then, in March 2011, I revisited the online catalog and they listed the already available (for Cobalts) 172179 (L&R) on the HHR parts page - They have since removed the Quick Struts numbers as recommended parts in the online catalog. In March, I even found a "New coverage" list in the online catalog showing the 172179L&R would be available for the 05-09 CHEVROLET TRUCK HHR on 02/01/2011. That list is still on their site, so I printed the screen to my hard drive just in case they decide to remove it as well to cover their mistake. I called Monroe to see what they would do for me since my parts were not installed yet. I ordered my QSs online, through Amazon, but fulfilled through Just Suspensions at the end of May while they were still listed in the online catalog. To make this already long story shorter - let me just say that Monroe stated it is not their problem and doesn't concern them. I told them it does, since they made the advice initially, but they didn't agree. I feel that the responsible party, Monroe, having made the recommendation as the manufacturer should handle this and not place it on the backs of their retailers, but... They sent me back to the retailer, Amazon, because Amazon reportedly handles their own "warranty" issues. If anyone would like the "New coverage" page from Monroe's site, I will post the link below (as long as Monroe doesn't remove the page.)

http://www.monroe.com/catalog/New-Coverage

 

to the forum BaxterBear, and thanks for the updated info!

When the Quick Strut option became available it looked to be the way to go, but in light of Monroe's boo boo, I'm glad I choose KYB struts and did things the "hard way" for once.

 

I am on Monroe's website right now and it states that these are for the HHR. Look here ->> http://catalog.monroe.com/catalogPar...dStatus=ACTIVE

I have a pair and was going to install them this weekend. If these arent for the HHR, then Monroe has the responsibility to correct it, but it looks to me like they say they are for the HHR.