I have a '08 2LT with 26k on the clock. I live in the north east with terrible
roads. I would like to remove the harshness in the ride. What do I need to change to get the ride to soften up?

JMichael
2008 2LT

 

what tires are you using? i believe that the 2lt came with fe3 and maybe fe5 option (not sure about the fe5) but you can always switch to fe1 shocks found on the LS models...lows miles but check if maybe shocks/struts are in good condition

 

I have a 2LT with the Sport suspension and a 1LT with the touring suspension.

The first thing I would try is to accurately set your 215/50R/17 Tire pressures as follows.

With the tires cold ... That means all 4 tires.
Check them early in the morning after the car has set overnight and make sure the Sun has not been shinning on any of them.
Get a quality gauge.....don't go by your DIC reading.
Set the fronts at 34lbs.
Set the rears at 33lbs.
Those settings are just below the recommended 35lbs for all 4.
Tell me what Brand and Model tire you have and the load and speed rating on the sidewall of the tire.
my 215/50R/17's read 90T

If this is not enough help we'll go to step 2.

SF

 

My 2006 2lt is lowered 2 inches on bad roads it rides rough, had to rent an HHR LS big diffrence on the same bad roads, is your HHR lowered??? shocks will make a big diffrence.

 

Nope skyline. The FE5 is on the factory SS only. Not an option on the 2lt.

Also changing to the FE1 shocks won't help much unless you also change the springs and struts.

 

OP here

I have replaced my "low profile" 17" tires and wheels with AR 16x7 wheels
with Michelin 205/60R16 92H tires. These tires/wheels have about 2 or 3 rev difference per mile.
I believe this is well within tire wear difference. (814 to 817 Revs Per Mile)
I am running 31 PSI in all 4 tires. My gauge was calibrated 2 months ago.

The tire change has helped, however I still need a better ride. I am ready
to change struts, shocks, and what else is necessary. I realize most of
the aftermarket changes are for performance, but I want to soften the
ride. These Northern Ohio roads are beating this HHR to death.

JMichael

 

OK....Forget step 1

You are way ahead of that.

What Michelin tire did you use? Some are slightly smoother ride.

Use same proceedure for inflating/deflating I explained

With 92H
Drop front to 29lbs.
Rear to 28lbs. unless you carry heavy items.

Beyond the above you are moving to the suspension mods.

Also, realize you have widened your wheels and lowered you tire cross section.
Stock 16" steel wheels are 6 1/2" wide.
Stock 16" tires are 215 section width.

Welcome to the Small Car "rough ride" world.

HHR's are better then many small cars out there.

 

Please keep us posted on how you make out.
I might entertain the same move if yours works out to be a good move.
Cost can be an issue when you get into all the suspension parts.

SF

 

OP here
I wil post updates. I have just finished preparing the HHR for towing four down. I plan to spend 5 months in Florida with much better roads. The research will go on, with the switch to touring suspension next spring.

JMichael