that's the one i found. thanks for the added info. will do it in the morning before the sun starts to bake my driveway again.

 

Thx. Credit for the pics goes to our own forum member Goose (Golden Teal '07 1LT) and a guy over on BITOG (BobIsTheOilGuy.com).

I was all up in the lubrication dynamics last year when I first got my HHR

 

A few comments now that I've done my first change.

I have an 06 with a 2.4 engine.

#1 - A 1-1/4" standard socket ($5) works perfect. The only 32mm I could find was a deep socket and it hit the exhaust manifold and would not go on the filter cover.

#2 - After a few turns of the oil filter cap, you have to take the socket off or it binds under the manifold. Result is you have to screw it back in to remove it.

#3 - I did not need a wobble socket or u-joint. However, I did remove the air filter to check it so perhaps that is the reason? Otherwise I did not need one.


All that said, I must agree this is the easiest and CLEANEST oil change I have ever done, including my jet boat!

Thanks for a great narrative and the pix.

 

There is a special oil filter socket for 3/8" ratchet drive that fits the oil cap on the ecotecs. I have one, it seems to be made of magnesium or maybe its mill finished aluminum.

 

I'm about 1/2 to doing my first oil change on mine,and was wondering from those that have already done it was if you used/needed either ramps (wondering about clearance issues w/ most ramps) or get the floor jack/jackstands under the car thing.
The last two trucks i been driving over the last 14 yrs or so,so it's been drive the front wheels on 4x4 blocks o wood to give me clearance to get at drain plug/filter, so i figure i'll prob have to get my SS up high enuf somehow to change oil.

Oh, and thanks to whoever posted filter brands/numbers. I like to help out my parts guy when ever i can.

 

i used ramps, not sure i could get under it without them! however, my little factory chin spoiler hit the ramp going up and down, and pulled it part way off on the way down (ramps too steep) but it just snapped back in, no damage. next time i'll put a 2x6 under the ramp end so it's not as steep (my ramps hinge and remove from the stand portion of the ramp). was real easy with the ramps plus makes all the oil run to the drain plug.

 

read post #1.....I did not use ramps or jack up the vehicle......just lay on the floor and you can reach the bolt.....no problem, this way the vehicle stays flat and you get a good oil drain.....

 

i think you are much skinnier than i am

 

LOL, Me also

 

I did, was just asking for a general consensus from others as to how they did their oil changes.