That sure is a lot of hassel to get to a air-filter out. By far the worst design I have ever seen and owned out of the 20+ vehicles that I owned . lol.

 

1st time off is the hardest.. Sure it's over-kill in design, but it works well..

 

The design is almost identical to the air filter on the 06 VW passat 2.0t. Held in place by 4 gromets, hard to remove, had to remove many screws underneath--if memory serves torx, to get to filter. Also a lot of sound insulation like the HHR integrated into the assembly. Served as a cover to the engine to dress it up. Did VW/GM share engineers?

 

Many thanks to the person who wrote these wonderfully clear and detailed instructions. If I had tried to follow the four lines in the manual, I'd still be staring at it and scratching my idiot head.

 

Trust me I'd rather replace an air filter on an HHR than on a Chevy Venture minivan! Last time trying to reinstall the airbox cover I fought with the damn thing for over an hour.

 

Thanks to Black Rose and all that contributed to this topic! Made the first change on "Witchypoo" easy and fairly painless. 40k and it was definitely time to change it!

TLB

2007 HHR Special Edition w Cappuchino Frost Metallic paint

 

Why oh why would anyone....would love to see some pics of a solution to such an engineering fiasco. First time I changed it I laughed, cried and said many bad bad words.

 

First time is the hardest.. Yes they did complicate it..

Here are 2 possible options, I'm sure there are others also..

 

Thanks for this. This write up was better than any manual I've ever had. Great photos and description of the tools required.

I picked up the filter when I was buying front rotors and pads (must have warped them somehow) figuring I'll just slap a new filter in there while my hands are dirty. Looks like doing the air cleaner is going to be more work than the brake job!

Now I need to see if there is a thread on that 'no canister' oil filter I picked up.

 

Welcome to the site Buffsurfer. Sounds a little chilly for CT.