I just ordered my KYB new struts. I saw some interesting yesterday when looking on the struts area. I noticed that when I turn the wheel totally to the left parked, the strut is not centered with the spring, and almost touch it, showing an excentrical pattern on the driver´s side. Turning to the other side, looks like almost centered. On the passenger side, the strut looks more centered in both directions. This is telling me that the strut mount passed away, or the strut is bent... Are correct my statements?

 

Finally replaced. Today I went to the shop to install the front struts and strut mounts



OEM were busted as I had suspected! The shop guys suggested to me change the sway bar links and I said "okay, Chinese parts are better than ruined parts". Then, they finished



Finished the work, I paid the Bill



- Left strut 1,700 pesos.
- Right strut 1,700 pesos.
- Sway bar links 440 pesos.
- Labor for Struts installation 500 pesos
- Front end Alignment 150 pesos.
- Labor for Sway bar links 200 pesos.
- Strut mounts not shown. I bought them on another place.

Total 4690 pesos, something like 350 USD. I paid and said "Hurray, no more knocks and clunky Noises". After driving 4 blocks... Again that knocking noise!! I back to the shop, and the guys checked all again. They told me that the noise can be a loose brake pad. That made me sense, because I heard that loud knock every time that I press the pedal brake and release, also going over bumps and pot holes. I decided to change the brake pads, and I went to an autozone to buy them. Arrived to my home and quickly raise my HHR. Removed both tires, removed both calipers to inspect the brake pads, and looked with normal wear. No movement on the caliper...I said "what I can lose if install the new ones". Installed them and put the wheels again and put the lugs with the CAR RAISED. Did a driving test and that damn noise again!!!! I was given up and planning to make a post saying that this car is a POS, designed by monkeys, anything...well, I forgot to re-tighten again the wheel lugs with the tires touching the ground. When I was Trying to tightening the first lug.... CLUNK!!! Again.. Knock! Again... CLANK!...then, I figured out that the rear bushing screw of the front arm was loose!!!



I decided to rid that &%$)"=@ noise using a 21 mm socket with a 3 ft Lever (That I already had)



Just tightening and no more knock!!!! And I am happy to be a HHR owner again!!!

 

Glad you got it solved

 

Good find. And with all the new suspension pieces, you should get a lot more miles out of it. :)