Clunk/Creak when stopping
 

Hey everyone,

Whenever I come to an absolute stop and the body of my HHR shifts back to level rest, it makes quite a loud clunk sound. It's really a mix between clunk and a creaking cry of relief.

It sounds like its coming from the rear. Any ideas as to what it could be, or what is a known common cause of such noises?

Any help would be appreciated.

If it was just creaking I'd say you have control arm bushings in the rear that need lubed, but now that you have a clunk involved, you might be at the point of needing the bushings replaced. They'll creak when they dry out, usually when the temperature drops, but a clunk and creak suggest they have started to fail on you.

New parts run about $25-30 per side, you can do the work yourself in an afternoon, the PITA factor is about a 6 on the 1-10 scale.

My car has 10,000 miles on it lol.

GEEEZ!!!!

Dear nacademus,

I have read about your situation with your HHR. I can understand how frustrating this can be with only 10,000 miles on the vehicle. This might be something that is covered under warranty. The warranty specialist at the dealership should be able to give you specific warranty information about your unique circumstances when the technicians diagnose the issue.

If you would like assistance with setting an appointment with your dealership please, let me know.

Sincerely,
Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

I had a very similiar clunk noise when coming to a stop and I figured it out that it was the gas sloshing around in the gas tank I was hearing. This could be your issue.

Nah, can't be that. Its a LOUD creak and clunk. No matter what the fuel level is, even at topped off, same sound in intensity and volume.

This is what you get for going off road racing in an HHR.......


Seriously though, have you had it on a lift since? Maybe you knocked something loose or picked up a passenger. (tree branch, root, rock, etc.)

Honestly, it was before I took her 4-wheeling. It has been audible since its been warm :/

So it's feasible that it's been evident since you have driven with the windows down, it may have been there before it has been warm. (in other words you are hearing it from outside and not through the floorboards.)

I'd get her up on stands and start shaking things and try to reproduce the sound. Also check the rear gate...... it can make a clunking noise at times.