Should I replace worn OEM with KYB Shocks & Struts
Thread Starter
Joined: 09-30-2011
Posts: 8
From: CA
Should I replace worn OEM with KYB Shocks & Struts
Hi Everyone,
I just got my 1st HHR; its a 2007 LT 2.4 auto. Love it! Purchased it with 97k miles. I know... it's alot, but it's in great condition in and out, and drives great! I bought it knowing it had some suspension issues.
I'm looking for help selecting KYB shocks & struts that are most like OEM, (Budget is a concern). I'm attempting to correct the knocking issues in the front & rear. I've been reading every ones posts on suspension noise, so I'm thinking of replacing the rear shocks and front struts with KYB's GR-2, and also maybe the sway bar bushings & end links. Should I also replace the strut mounts when I do the struts?
With 97k miles and pretty sure it has the original factory parts, should I ask my trusted mechanic to go for it all at once, or just target the shocks & struts first?
I just got my 1st HHR; its a 2007 LT 2.4 auto. Love it! Purchased it with 97k miles. I know... it's alot, but it's in great condition in and out, and drives great! I bought it knowing it had some suspension issues.
I'm looking for help selecting KYB shocks & struts that are most like OEM, (Budget is a concern). I'm attempting to correct the knocking issues in the front & rear. I've been reading every ones posts on suspension noise, so I'm thinking of replacing the rear shocks and front struts with KYB's GR-2, and also maybe the sway bar bushings & end links. Should I also replace the strut mounts when I do the struts?
With 97k miles and pretty sure it has the original factory parts, should I ask my trusted mechanic to go for it all at once, or just target the shocks & struts first?
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
If you are going to do the struts, it is probably well worth doing the swaybar bushings and end links all at the same time. It wouldn't be much extra for the parts, and while it is apart for the struts, you will likely save on labour than doing it piece by piece later.
Strut mounts likely are just fine. Have the mechanic take a look at them when it pulls the struts.
Strut mounts likely are just fine. Have the mechanic take a look at them when it pulls the struts.
Deceased
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
to the forum Blue Rookie HHR, and congrats on your new ride!I'd do everything at once if your budget allows, struts, shocks, end links, bushings, and strut mounts. The mounts may be fine now, but its one of those deals where you might end up doing them in 20,000 miles so if you can change them when everything is apart, do it.
We're usually on the same wavelength whopper, but having done the struts in our '06 at 98,000 miles I can tell you the mounts were marginal enough to warrant changing out so I did.
Senior Member
Joined: 06-18-2009
Posts: 856
From: Monterrey, México
BTW, Welcome to the forum.
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
to the forum Blue Rookie HHR, and congrats on your new ride!I'd do everything at once if your budget allows, struts, shocks, end links, bushings, and strut mounts. The mounts may be fine now, but its one of those deals where you might end up doing them in 20,000 miles so if you can change them when everything is apart, do it.
We're usually on the same wavelength whopper, but having done the struts in our '06 at 98,000 miles I can tell you the mounts were marginal enough to warrant changing out so I did.
So, for $50-60 - what the heck eh?
Thread Starter
Joined: 09-30-2011
Posts: 8
From: CA
Thanks to all for the warm welcome!
Nice having a variety of opinions to feed off of.
With this many miles, it does sound reasonable to get it all done at the same time (or as much as I can afford as possible). The current struts and shocks definitely have to go. As for the knocking and/or thumping, I'd like to "try" to isolate the source before throwing money at it, but judging by the other threads I've read here, I'll probably wind up changing all these parts anyway.
I am already pricing the all parts in question, and seriously considering raiding my piggy bank! LOL
Can someone enlighten me as to the difference between these 2 sway bar links from MOOG: #MOK80252, and MOK750012? I'm thinking of ordering a couple of them, but am confused as the images displayed at PartsTrain.com shows 2 completely different looking parts. Which is the right part for an HHR?
Thanks!
Nice having a variety of opinions to feed off of.
With this many miles, it does sound reasonable to get it all done at the same time (or as much as I can afford as possible). The current struts and shocks definitely have to go. As for the knocking and/or thumping, I'd like to "try" to isolate the source before throwing money at it, but judging by the other threads I've read here, I'll probably wind up changing all these parts anyway.
I am already pricing the all parts in question, and seriously considering raiding my piggy bank! LOL
Can someone enlighten me as to the difference between these 2 sway bar links from MOOG: #MOK80252, and MOK750012? I'm thinking of ordering a couple of them, but am confused as the images displayed at PartsTrain.com shows 2 completely different looking parts. Which is the right part for an HHR?
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: 08-03-2011
Posts: 683
From: Western MD
