GOoOD afternoon Sages,
Here again looking for sage advice for my 2010 HHR SS with auto and 137,000 miles. I have been plagued by a squeaking noise in my left front end when turning to the left ever since I have owned the HHR (6 years). It does not make this noise when turning to the right. It sounds like "rubber squeaking." I have installed a KW suspension (4 years). I have installed new brake calipers (2 years). New CV axles (6 months). New lower control arms, and yes they are the 20.5 MM stems (6 months). Over the years it has gradually gotten worse. It does have some vibration when applying the brakes, but this is sporadic. The brakes are Power Stop KC161026Z26 Street Warrior with drill and slotted rotors (3 years). Rotors are not warped and pads are about 1/3 worn. The things I have replaced has not eliminated the "rubber squeaking." I have discovered after jacking up the front end and the wheels off the ground that the sound is gone when turning to the left with the engine on and in drive. Has anyone had this experience and did you find the cure? Is it the rack and pinion? Wheels hubs? I am leaning towards the left side wheel hub, but I would like to be sure. Again, thank you all for the sage advice on here.

 

Probably the strut bearings. I don't know what you mean by "KS suspension", what part of the suspension is that?

 

Sorry, it is a KW Suspension coilover. Here is a picture. I will contact KV Suspension. It'll be a while, they are in Germany.

It is the Kit V2. Part #: 15261005.

 

Inspect the front bumper cover is it real close to the headlights? Possibly rubbing there, or the inner fender?

 

Does it squeak only while moving the steering wheel? i.e. Does it stop squeaking after you stop moving the steering wheel, but the car is still turning?

Not sure if you've already been through the thread linked in my signature.

 

My guess is something with the steering column.

 

Any chance it has the red urethane bushings on the LCA's or sway bar? By all accounts they squeak if not greased.

I that isn't it, you might try spraying a little WD40 on one moving part at a time and see if it makes a difference. Rubber bellows and boots, too.

Are the boots on the CV joints in good shape?

 

Oldblue,
Checked that and there are no rub marks. My assistant (wife) turned the wheel while on the ground and felt between tire and inner fender and had plenty of room. Thanks.

 

If you press on the bumper cover with the hood open , do you hear the noise?
have you inspected the swaybar end links? The swaybar bushings? Are they OEM ,if not then are they the correct size? All SS models came with 23mm front swaybar.

 

I'm agreeing with firemangeorge. Suspension noises typically happen on bumps, or uneven road surfaces. This sounds more like a steering issue.