I purchased a bicycle rack for my 2 mountain bikes. The rear end sags and I've hit it a couple of times coming out of the parking lot. Is there any heavier springs available or other options? I've called around and no one can help.

 

Seen lowering kits but no lift kits.

I know of one guy with a panel where he added air bags to the stock setup in the rear. Each bag had a separate line that could be used with an ordinary tire compressor to pump up each side as needed.


Unfortunately he no longer frequents this forum.

 

Do they still make air shocks? Would those fit/be and option? How much do the bikes and rack weigh together? Seems awfully light to make that big a difference...

 

I've never been impressed with air shocks - maybe the tech has changed since I had them on my Van in the 80's. Great for heavy loading but when you're not driving with a load trying to find the right balance of dampening was a problem.

At least with the air bags supplementing your suspension, when not needed/used you still have the ride comfort/dampening of your shocks for everyday conditions.

 

What HHR exactly & mileage do you have ?

I have like New factory 2LT rear springs.. They are pretty stiff..

 

I agree. I carry two bikes around in the back of my HHR with no problem. I can't believe that would cause you to drag your rear end.

 

It's a little different when you put a rack on the end verses inside over the axle. But it must be a heavy rack.

 

Wondering a few things here..... how steep a transition coming out of that parking lot and is the bike rack mounted to low...... OP isn't saying what is hitting.... "it" may be the bikes or the rack, and not the car.

 

True about how the driveway to road transitions could be more of a problem if the op has a trailer hitch mounted bike rack?

 

here is an option. its the Firestone Coil-rite. its a bag that goes inside of the coil to help with heavy loads. they dont make it for the hhr but i bet you could find one close enough to fit. that is if its worth the trouble to you.



otherwise just get used to dragging like i did. good luck