I bought my 2007 chevy hhr in October of 2009 and it has been a nightmare from the start. From the day I left the dealership through today there has been the same problem. How do you say: Clunking, Sliding, Popping all in the front Suspension. I've brought the car in 5 times for the exact problem and everytime they replace a piece. The problem is that they are masking the true problem. Something is completely out of whack and the problems return very suddenly after leaving the shop. I have a warranty that is down to it's last 300 miles (I had a 1 year / 12,000 mile bumper to bumper warrantly) and now I'm going to go through with a Lemon Law inquiry. I'm going to contact a lawyer who specializes in that field and get rid of this vehicle and be compensated for all money invested and inconvenience. Here is what has been replaced thus far:

Visit 1
Right Front Stabilizer Link
Visit 2
Left Front Stabilizer Link
Both Front Struts Were Leaking - Both Replaced
Visit 3
Steering Column Replaced
Visit 4
Both Bushings On Lower Control Arm Replaced (Rear)
Visit 5
Replace Front Sway Bar Bushings

The car was sold to me used with a 5 year finance and I'm only 8 months into having the car and I can see that this problem goes deep and will come back over and over again. The mechanics are doing shabby work and not addressing the main problem. Why? I can't understand why. They submit all work for reimbursement from GM so trying to save money for the dealership wouldn't be an issue. I'm at wits end with this vehicle and can't wait to get rid of it. Anybody with similar situations of this problem and anybody who went ahead with the Lemon Law, please let me know.

From what I've read, I bet another problem could be: Intermediate Shaft is faulty. Don't these Service Centers read up on these Forums to see the problems that they continuously overlook? Obviously they don't have a clue. Good Luck to everybody. If your looking to buy this car - Stay Away!

 

Sorry to hear of your problems.

Since this is your first post, welcome.

Ever thought of trying a different dealership?

 

Common issue, Ive also had all those done multiple times, under warranty.
The parts from gm are known to be bad, so when the warranty is done, just use non gm parts. Im going to use this as an excuse to get track-ready upgrades and get into lapping and/or auto-cross.

 

I know in Illinois you have to buy the car new to be eligible for "lemon law" repurchase. I'm pretty sure there is no way you would qualify.

As for the problem, it sure sounds like an intermediate shaft. If this dealer won't replace it, find one who will. If your dealer was competent, they would have fixed it the first or second time and you wouldn't be upset now. On the plus side, you've had almost every troublesome front-end part replaced so once you get the clunk repaired you should be good to go.