Is there any reason to think that TRW automotive replacement parts -AREN'T- just rebranded mediocre quality crap?
There are quite a few TRW(?) packaged parts (end links, ball joints. sway bar bushings) in cataloged offerings, but might the parts actually be up to snuff?
-or-
Would these just as likely be -another- 'good money after bad' guessing game?

 

I have used TRW ball joints , lasted 25,000 miles. Tie rod ends ,lasted about the same. Moog aren’t much better lately or Delphi.

 

so where (brand wise) does one wisely spend their replacement parts budget on those sort of items?
I'm split decided about strut stuff between KYB (closing on $150 per side for quik-struts) -or- Monroe OESpectrum (iffy(?) since I have OE springs that seem like they might have been added -after- production). There isn't much (if any) mention of the Gabriel assemblies -or- strut minimal s.
The springs I mentioned have VERY good finish, and there are bar-coded tags with an additional 'XAE' in bold block letters.(??)
I've got spring tools, and previous experience with them, so I'm wholely undecided about dampers and such.

 

Order KYB struts and swap your springs over . KYB struts and shocks are a great option, I just changed mine out after 5 years and 100,000 miles.
quick struts don’t have a great reputation

 

While accumulating part numbers, its looking like I'll need to add a pair of spring seat plastic s for the KYB strut (they're NOT included, unlike piston shaft nuts that I see in the photo) Just need to verify.

 

Reuse the OEM coil pads

 

I agree. Those tags make me think they’re OE springs. They seem more corrosion resistant than any replacement springs, even expensive performance items. Plus, it will help preserve the original handling properties.

I used Monroe Quick Struts once. Meh. Was not satisfied with the dampening properties. Dunno how well the other parts held up, because I sold the car.

I used KYB Struts Plus on an LS we still drive because all the extra parts and labor from using the bare struts made them a better deal. Couldn’t be happier. The ride is now more like FE3, much firmer. I like that, but not everyone will.

 

Terrific order through Rock Auto today for the suspension (KYB) needs, along with a swell buy on a half-dozen TRW sway bar links & two pair of bushings ($4 ea. for links, and $6 for the 4 pc.s of bushings), plus an additional raft of bits & pieces (shipped from ONLY two warehouses !) proved to be -very- advantageous ($16+ discount code, and some perfectly awesome pricing for warehouse clearance items), and now I just need to get myself enthusiastic about the effort to install fresh dampers to the Hi-Rise along with making an appointment for alignment.
I ended up with (6) six tungsten/halogen fog light replacement bulbs for a grand total of $1.47 ! Makes me want to cry, I know.
The KYB factory supplies the Excel G struts & shocks, along with top plate bushings w/bearings, and fresh bellows & jounce bumpers.
I also got the replacement coolant filler by Dorman for the best price going (learned where to trace my vanishing coolant was going here @ HHR.net - Thanks! -).
Getting through the RockAuto experience without getting royally rooked by the shipping department s is a valuable lesson all by it's own, and my purchases today couldn't have been less expensive -anywhere-, so, Happy Birthday to Me! come Thursday.
Ought not to brag about such things, but it feels good once in a while....

 

"... more corrosion resistant than any replacement springs..."
Seems to bear out on the rear axle springs too. I jacked it up and looked the rear springs over real close before making the RockAuto purchase.
Once I wiped the road grime from the rear coils I found that they were in nearly perfect condition also (no manufacturer tags, but NO rust, and sort-of shiny black under the grey Ohio road grime).
Maybe next month (after I see how fresh dampers affect handling over all) I'll consider whether a rear sway bar is still desired, the awful amount of under steer really surprised me during my initial test driving of my brother's -ex-HHR .

 

A TTR rear sway bar is essential for better corners and less sway from cross winds.