hi all
new to forum but familiar with the ion/cobalt chassis and the front end problems.
bought what i thought was a well maintained 2007 hhr that had all the history and such.

had within the last 6 months:
new pads/rotors
new control arm bushings and end links
front alignment
(good thing he paid for this)

it continues to have a straight line clunk over speed bumps etc.(my ion did this when the control arm bushings were gone)
he had the front end checked today and a new safty inspection but they still say the front end is fine.

it's not the steering rack as i replaced the ions and i know the symptoms.
it also does not seem like the intermediate steering shaft(also replaceed on the ion.)

is there anything i am missing,all the struts are fine.
any help would be appreciates as this is driving me nuts
jeff

 

Did you check the swaybar end bushings? (not sure on the a straight line, but I know the 'turning clunk' these have been the culprit for many)

 

Sway bar bushings...... Garbage rubber.

 

How I wish there was a consensus opinion about the clunk. I, too, have a 2007 HHR LS that has had the clunk almost since new. Any irregular road surface causes it now - when new, it only occurred when turning at slow speeds. It's very strange.
I am not going to start throwing parts at the front end, because overall, the driving experience is still quite pleasant.

 

it just passed a full 2yr nova scotia safty inspection.they are pretty thorough here.
they found nothing wrong with the front end.i don't think it's the column as its down low on the front underside.
will try and pin it down when i drive it home after the purchase tonight.
dammit
i still suspect the intermediate shaft as its the same symptoms as my ion.
checked here and dealer price for the shaft is $462 can plus tax.p/n 25834100 2006-2010 shaft kit.
i think they are giving me the shaft!!!
jeff

 

hello i went to the dealer today and explained my issue with the clunk that i have. i told him that mine was making noise when the car is stopped and i turn the sterring wheel to the left or right ( full turns). he said it might be the top of the strut the bearings i dont think so god i hope its the sway bar bushings

 

Capp002,

Many of us have struggled with the stupid clunk noise. I did the same as you, and had the same answer, replace the strut bearing and the issue still there. I changed the sway bar bushing and this fixed it. Check the attached link.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...t=35407&page=2

 

Hopefully, this guy had a good ending

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brakes-%7C-suspension-%7C-shocks-%7C-struts-24/front-end-clunking-solved-36091/

 

just some more diagnosis on the way home from the purchase.
seems it mostly happens over just about any bump when the wheels are straight ahead.and i mean any bump,a cigarette butt on the road would cause the noise.

i have a brand new set of moog greasable end links from my ion and rockauto shows the same p/n for the hhr,so the end links are covered.

also one of the little red marker lights in the back bumper has a broken lens(red),looked on ebay but cannot find any,any ideas for this?
does the dammed bumper cover have to come off to put in a new one?

next
owner could only find one key and remote,what are my options on this?
thanks,jeff

 

Front end clunk could be sway bar ends thought mine was bushings was a loose sway bar end. marker lights are fairly easy you might find one in a salvage yard cheaper than from dealer or on line