One of the main complaint about early HHRs was wind noise. I w9nder if the 2006 models have it. The 2006 manual does not mention it, the 2010 manual calls it "fender insulator".

 

I have a 2006 model and it does have the fender insulation, it has caused no issues at all.

 

My cranial sone meter says my 2011 LS is substantially quieter with regard to wind noise than the 2008 LS was. Did someone say the door gasketing is different, too?

 

I have to pull the driver side inner fender to do some work behind there. I'll have to pay close attention and see what might have been done wrong when the passenger fender was replaced after the right side side-swipe crash damage.
Maybe soak that 'wool' in some oil to keep out the water retention?
While looking at bone-yard candidates to remove running board assemblies to fit to mine I am appalled by the horrific rust damage suffered through that rocker panel - pinch weld - floor pan area on nearly all the HHRs ending up in the scrap heap around here.
Mine isn't suffering any of that disintegration, door bottoms are sound. Car looks amazingly solid and rust-free (-except- for that lower front fender hole I'm complaining about & those fuel/evap lines) for a N.E. Ohio car.
Sure like to do some Fluid-Film in the most despicable spots before disintegration occurs.

 

Our 2008 has the "Jute" type insulation in the fenders. No rust that I can but, my floors, rockers, door bottoms, firewall, and back hatch is fairly rusty.