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08 HHR Front clunk... different than the rest

Old Mar 8, 2016 | 05:28 PM
  #1  
notrealchevyfan's Avatar
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08 HHR Front clunk... different than the rest

This topic has been touched on before. I'm going to add something different that I haven't seen on this topic.
Our 08 Chevy HHR LT has a clunk in the front end, when you go over some smaller defects in the road. It almost feels like the front suspension is shifting back and forth when brakes applied and let go.
So, I had my son hop in the car, and while he made a series of short, quick stops, I could see the whole front tire shift back and forth as he applied and let go of the brake. I've always suspected it to be doing that, just no one around anytime I wanted to check it. The car has been doing it since we took ownership of it, about 2 years ago. I just didn't drive it enough to notice it at first.
I'd like to think that its something like the lower, rear control arm bushing, but I can see that when I lie off to the side and have my son re in act the scenario. Nothing appears to move, except the tire...back and forth. I will try and post a short video, if that is possible on this forum.
And in the mean time, if anyone has any ways to diagnose whats possibly going on, Id appreciate it.
Old Mar 8, 2016 | 05:41 PM
  #2  
donbrew's Avatar
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you say nobody has ever mentioned it!!! I know I've mentioned it many times.

I think there is a How-To in the how to library. As soon as oldblue sees this he will post a picture of the bad parts.

There is a link in my sig in regard to suspension noises.
Old Mar 8, 2016 | 06:18 PM
  #3  
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Here you go Don!

It's is the lower control arm rear bushing!
The one on the right is the deteriorated OEM rubber one
The one on the left is a Moog K200792 bearing bushing

The worn bushing allows up to two inches of movement in the front wheel
Attached Thumbnails 08 HHR Front clunk... different than the rest-image.jpeg  
Old Mar 8, 2016 | 06:27 PM
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whopper's Avatar
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........... and it can also be the lower ball joint on the lower control arm, or a tie rod ball joint.

You really need to get a good checkout on the whole front end. If one part is worn to that point, I'd suspect other parts are due for replacement as well.

If you cannot do it yourself, it's best to take it to a good shop for a full inspection.

Two years you've been living with it? If it is a ball joint you are lucky it hasn't killed someone already.
Old Mar 8, 2016 | 07:40 PM
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donbrew's Avatar
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https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/
Old Mar 9, 2016 | 11:13 AM
  #6  
Hotstuff's Avatar
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Would another symptom of this wornout bushing be possible "shuddering" on short sudden stops?
Old Mar 9, 2016 | 06:58 PM
  #7  
donbrew's Avatar
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yes.
Old Mar 9, 2016 | 07:36 PM
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And so can loose inner and or outer tierod ends and or misadjusted rear drum brakes
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