Hey everyone. I've had horrible experiences replacing suspension components in my cars. I really love the way my HHR handles. I think it is the nicest riding light vehicle I've been in. With this kind of stuff it's always a balancing act. I bought the car used so I'm not sure if it has the original struts in it or not. It's a 2007. Over 100,000 miles. Can you guys recommend some struts to me that would be more geared towards a nice ride over performance and handling? I would even be willing to reuse the old springs. I'll see if I can figure out what it currently has. The reason I'm replacing them is because they're leaking.

 

See if you can find some part number tags on the springs and struts. Also, post a picture of the strut where it attaches to the sway bar link.

 

Look on the inside of the passenger side glove box. There should be a sticker with all your RPO codes. Look for FE1 or FE3.

 

FE1 or FE3 is really a moot point as most struts and shocks are the same, I have KYB struts and shocks, very comfortable ride I put 168,000 miles on a set in my 2007 LS Oldblue was even lowered a couple of inches.
I have a set on my 2011 2LT with FE3, I have FE3 springs up front and FE5 springs out back, very comfortable ride.
If yours is an LS or a 1LT it’ll have FE1 suspension, nice ride with the KYB’s


You’ll need two of these

One of these

And one of these

 

Yeah but you’re subverting my infosuck.

 

I am?

 

Thanks guys I'm feeling a lot more confident now. I'm moving and the car is being stored at the moment so I'll have to check back when I get around to it.

When I searched prior to posting most posts were mentioned things like "it's tighter, I like it better". Which worried me. I've watched some general videos on the subject mentioning that some cheap replacement struts have thicker diameter springs. And I don't have a caliper.

Edit: I think I had KYB's in my 86 Grand marquis. I replaced them with Monroe being mislead by strut manufacturing propaganda. Ended up throwing away the brand new Monroe's and putting the KYB's back in.

 

After 10 years any new shock absorbers are going to feel tighter. They are designed to last about 2 years.