Lee- Yes there are 'bump-stops' in the coil springs. (top & bottom).

But if your shorter shocks are "bottoming out" before you hit the bump stops.

That could be causing the bolt breakage..

I'd be checking that out..

 

You got that right. These streets in Queens are very confusing (people that live here call it 'The Circles of Hell'. You could have 3 or 4 one way streets in a row, all going the same direction. Other streets change from 2 way to 1 way then back again. So when I saw a street going the direction I wanted to go, I just headed right for it. Never saw the raised island separating the street, and don't even know why it was put there when most streets just have a painted yellow line.

 

Thanks for the tip.. I will check it out tomorrow.

 

Yeah it sounds like the shocks are acting like "limiting straps" rather than dampers, they do prevent the rear suspension from dropping that last little bit at full droop, but its not much.

With the shorter spring and shock combo, I still think you're getting into a deal where on occasion, the shocks are limiting the suspension travel and subsequently stressing the bolts.

 

Lee- When you added the lowering GL springs, did you trim the Bump Stops ?

Since I believe it is recommended for GL springs..

 

This all goes to show that there is a lot more involved when we change parts and modify our cars.

 

I did it many years ago and don't remember. I don't recall the instructions saying to or I definitely would have.

 

You can look at them & see if they look cut or not.

When you hit big bumps does it hit like a rock ?

 

Exactly, and sometimes all it takes is one thing to make a good mod into a headache. Just very glad you weren't injured in the mishap with the center divider gadget, HHR's are easier to fix than people.

 

I spoke with my fabricator buddy and he will either EZ out the broken bolt or drill and tap it. Then we will check the bumpstop issue.

But first, I have to repair my damaged front end. The drivers lower control arm is bent up nicely, and being a holiday my Chevy dealer is closed.