I think I've read on here on one or more threads that the spare supplied with the (at least 2008) SS models won't fit the front due to brake caliper clearance (?) If you have a flat on the front you have to take a good rear tire and put it on the front and the spare on the rear? Is this correct?

Might not be a bad idea if one is taking a trip to get a spare SS wheel (or even an aftermarket wheel and an inexpensive tire (say <$100) to take along on trips. Thoughts?

 

From the owners manual:

Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire (SS Model)
The SS Model has larger performance brakes than
the base model. The compact spare tire will not clear
the front brakes.
Do not use the compact spare tire in the event of a front
flat tire.
You must use the rear tire to replace the front flat tire.

 

I hope I never get a flat front tire....

 

I tried to test fit the spare on the front of my '08 SS while rotating my tires and found that the front calipers hit the rim of the donut. The manual is correct.

 

extra tire and rim for a maybe flat, will take up to much room, just as easy to pack a spare jack, and lift both ends and move the rear to the front and install spare on the rear, or call AAA

 

it's actually recommended NOT to have a spare tire on a drive axle.... so with a front-wheel drive vehicle, put the spare on the rear and move the rear to the front.

 

That makes sense, especially if you have the LSD. The overall diameter of the spare is smaller than the stock tire which would cause that side to spin at a much faster rate than the stock side. I imagine that this would be hard on the LSD.

 

bingo!

 

Finally found that info in my owner's manual. Thanks for the confirmation. I'm not considering carrying around a full size spare all the time, just when traveling a distance from home. This thing is so comfortable and a lot of fun to drive I look for excuses to get out and drive it. I'm retired so I don't have a day-to-day job to go to so sometimes my car sits for a few days.

I just thought if I could pick up a full-size SS wheel and tire for not much, it'd be worth it. I've seen some on eBay for anywhere from $200-$300 and can get a tire for about $100 good enough for a spare. It's true there's not much room in the back even with the seats folded down but trying to find the proper jack may not be an easy task.

Anyone know if the jack itself is the same for other years than 2008? I would think so, but...

 

You lost me there.
Why do you need a 2nd jack?
Anyhow. This is the jack in my SS. The well hidden lugwrench is noted by the red arrows. I believe that the HHR jacks are all the same regardless of the year.

Attachment 15288