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That would make sense. Maybe rear springs started to weaken which result in an increased caster, which makes me feel the road bumps as if the car is cracking. I am gonna explore this more in detail because when I bought the HHR the ride was very fine/perfect.
* I get conflicting information on the web about positive caster and road shock being transmitted to the cabin.
Many HHR owners have lowered the rear , using Cobalt SC/TC rear springs, which lower the rear approximately an inch and a half, alternating the front end geometry, no effect on ride quality
I'm beginning to suspect that the connection from your seat to your memory has been altered.
It has only been when I change my suspension pieces that my ride changed.
Colbalt springs softened the ride. TTR swaybar stiffened the ride even with the Cobalt springs.
My alignment is still in the 'green and the Cobalt springs only changed the readings by .05.
'New' shocks and struts WILL change ride quality.
The roads out here are in an extended state of disrepair thus changing the ride quality and consistancy.
To change caster drastically the rear springs would have to be broken or removed.
Here is the undeniable proof that springs sag/suffer from fatigue over time. 14 years old original spring to the left with 100 000 kilo of use. GM OEM spring replacement to the right.
I still wait for the rear springs replacement to be delivered.
We here KNOW that springs start to sag after years of use.
As does our body parts.
What being said is that the change in castor is very miniscule.
Remember ALL 4 springs have softened from 14 years of use.
As the springs soften so does the ride and when they are replaced the ride returns to original stiffness.
Lots of confusion. Here is where I am at at the moment: The ride doesn't get softer as springs age. It's the opposite. When the springs are replaced you feel the road defects less and the vehicule is more stable. The overall ride is much more enjoyable on rough roads. Second thing is, it seems that the FE1 and FE3 springs are the exact same. As for my second HHR I bought at 90 000 kilo, I think everything is FE1 original, and for about 2000 miles, the ride was perfect. Then I started to increasingly feel bumps and potholes as if the car was cracking. It was a slow progressive thing that did not happen overnight. Finally proceeded to change the struts only, did not really help ( a little bit but did not satisfy my expectations). The springs replacement seemingly recovered the ride as intended. I still need to replace rear springs, but I can already feel it in the front. The control/quality the car has over rough roads has increased dramatically.
The rear springs look very alike if not the same. Although seemingly the same height - which surprised me a bit I thought the 2021 would be taller - the 2007 rear spring is easier to compress. After replacement the HHR is taller from the rear and the ride is much better. I will wait a couple of ride before giving my final opinion as to whether the ride is exactly the same as when I bought the HHR. It's much better now for sure.
I would say after 3 weeks and 2000 miles the springs have "break in" and are now operating at optimal comfort. The braking experience is very stable, the car sticks to the road and doesn't nose dive at all. I do not remember this stability from my other HHR, it's surprising. The ride feels smooth over road defects. It drives like a brand new car.
I am installing brand new OEM rotors and brake pads next.
07-23-2021, 09:15 PM
