Recently the right hatch strut support failed on my 2011 HHR. I priced a new one, fortunately still available, and opted for a visit to the local U-Pull. I thought about collecting both on my first visit, but neglecterd to do so, being satisfied with one, a cargo net and a box of new still wrapped brake pads for about the same money as a new support. The pads were from a nearby Buick and will be listed on Ebay to defray the cost of the visit. The second time I operated the lid after replacing the right support, the left support failed. Lesson one: at least examine the supports. NY winter roads may have contributed to the failure. Lesson two: better to have and not need than vice versa. Lesson three: Be sure that I am going to pack both sockets with grease today.

 

Lesson 4. Just get new. A search finds hood struts for $20 or less. Certain items like tires, brake pads/shoes, sparkplugs etc. shouldn't be bought used.

 

The field trip would have been fun, but the struts aren’t that expensive

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...t+support,1404

 

Hatch/hood strut failure is pretty random. They work until they don’t don’t. I wouldn’t bother “replacing in pairs” unless they were both bad.

Hatch and hood struts are the kind of thing you wouldn’t make a special trip to the yard for, but good to grab dirt cheap when you’re there.

Other little gems are the little rubber liners for cup holders and door handle wells, dashboard glove box, Pioneer door speakers, wooly worm, lug nuts with stainless caps (from other GM cars mostly.)

Other ideas?

 

Fuses and relays! And if the radio control switches are in the steering wheel and the airbag is out! Grab them.