So I have 141,??? on my 06 HHR that i bought new 5 years ago. I am getting ready to do a long list of replacements that probably should have been done about 40k ago. Here is my list
-Rear brakes (still original!), shocks, struts, wheel hubs, sway bar links, front brakes(this will be my 3rd set), rotors, and a belt (original as well).

Has anyone done struts,shocks or wheel hubs themselves on their car yet? I have read a lot about the hubs causing the wobble on the front end and am looking forward to it being gone.

Any pointers on getting the hubs off would be appreciated. I am car savvy and a buddy is going to help to but any advice would be great.

Other than normal wear and tear i have had only a few minor issues. about 10,000 miles ago i had to replace the throttle body and about 50,000 ago i had to replace the catalytic converter because the bendy pipe cracked by the manifold. Other than that i am happy my car as i am sure most of us on the board are. Thanks.

 

I haven't done any of those yet but it is nice to hear about so many happy miles sounds like your half way there happy trails to 300k be looking forward to the next report thanks

 

Make sure to get aftermarket rotors! I wouldn't get the factory ones as they will warp again. There are plenty of good aftermarket companies you can get from. A lot of people like Napa's, and I personally want to get R1 Concepts.

 

Yup, done them all. Shocks, struts & serpt belt @ 77K, rotors (NAPA), pads & hubs @ 116K.

Hubs are easy, 3 bolts and the 30mm axel nut. Look in the how to section for some posted threads on each of your projects. Most have pictures, lists of the tool sizes needed and helpful tips. If you have any specific questions someone will be glad to help.


Good luck.

 

Sounds like you got her 'broke-in'........Very Cool

 

I did the shocks and struts on my '07, nothing really hard about the process, just make darn sure you have access to a very good spring compressor. I can't say it enough, get and use a good spring compressor and make sure you know how to use it properly, a spring can ruin your day....or end them forever, so work carefully. As an aside, even though I went with KYB shock and struts, I'd give serious thought to the Monroe Quick Struts, take a lot of the work out and those here that have used them are happy with the results.

 

I am starting to notice a noise from the left front of my 07 2LT @75K. The noise is a hum and gets louder directly in proportion to speed, doesn't matter if the car is in gear or if brakes are being used. I suspect this is a wheel bearing. Is this probably the cause?


UPDATE - Left rear hub assembly defective. Firestone diagnosed it - and then I remembered it's on the list of components covered by the power train warranty before I spent almost $500 to fix it! I caught it before the new part was delivered, so Firestone didn't charge me anything.

 

right on that that is the first to go

 

2007 1LT with 25k Miles, I have many more to go before having to do matience.

 

Well I got the rear shocks done in about 10 minutes, the rear brakes werent too bad except for getting the e brake cable back on the shoes. Tried replacing the belt but ran out of time and needed a shorter bar. Great information on here for upkeep. Thanks.