Hi. I have front end noise that vibrates with wheel speed. Till now, I have replaced both lower control arm bushings and right side CV joint. But noise persists. I don't believe it to be the hub bearing as mileage has not gone down and I had it apart and spun it with no problems. This is the right side. Engine mounts are good. I don't think the upper control bushings are bad because of no play in wheel when jacked.
Anyone got ideas?

 

Someone just reported a cracked rotor .

 

I would not rule out the hub bearing. A hub bearing will not affect gas mileage and often they spin just fine especially when they are just starting to go bad. Spring of 2018 my right one made a noise like sticking a playing card in a bicycle wheel, except metallic. I didn't think it was the bearing because I've never heard one make a noise like that. And when I jacked up the front end it was quiet when spinning. But that's because the weight was off of the hub. It was also a constant noise, usually hub bearings make the most noise in a turn. Ended up taking it to a shop for a full diagnosis, and it was a bad bearing.

 

HHR's don't have upper control arms. Only lower ones.

 

What do the tires look like? Do you have scalloping/cupping? Tires can make the noises you speak of. It changes with speed, but doesn't need to be in gear to do it.

If you have these, your tires will need to be replaced, but they aren't the cause. Worn out LCA bushings are my first guess, but if not them, a dead strut can do it, too.

You don't mention wheel shake, so tie rod ends are likely OK.

There are lots of pictures of bad LCA bushings here on this site. If it's the strut, you would see oil leaking down the body of the strut. I would bet on the rear LCA bushing, based on experience.

 

Check end play on hub, limit 0.015 inch.

 

Good point about tires. I once replaced a hub because that's what it sounded like. It was the tires.

 

Front end noise WAS the wheel hub. Codes next, for aft O2 sensor and plugged evap canister. Tried to remove sensor myself but couldn't get it. Sprayed the canister foam filter with parts cleaner and left it in coupled to dry. Took it to a shop to have sensor removed, asked service man to check the trans fluid.
Sure enough, 1+1/2 quarts low!
Chevy. Just put in a dip stick.

 

If the fluid was low, then you have a leak. Just stating the obvious.

The only way to know that it was 1.5 qts low, is to remove the level plug and add fluid through the top port until fluid starts coming out of the level hole, measuring how much you're putting in.