Clunking issue: Solved!
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,484
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Thanks for heads up. Since I am having two things going on, I think I will look to replace the bushings and end rods. What is a good site to find these parts to take to my mechanic for an install? Also the part #'s. It is an '06 LT with 16" rims (if that makes a difference).
Joined: 03-24-2012
Posts: 4
From: canada
Sway bar links
Hi, everyone, just thought I'd post my own experience with the dreeded front end clunk. I bought my 07 HHR new, at 27000kms front end clunk appeared dealer replaced the links under warranty. At 60000kms clunking again, dealer replaced under warranty. At 110000kms clunk returned and I replaced the links my self with heavier Moog pieces as car was out of warranty. At 145000kms clunk returned replaced lower control arm bushings and clunk still present. I decided to wait the winter and now have to change the links again at 160000kms. I live in the country with alot of bumpy roads so the car takes a beating. So the the lessen I've learned is even though the Moog links have grease fittings, they don't help much. I would recommend buying the cheapest you can find and just be prepared to change them out every 30000kms. If you want a sure way to determine if your links are bad just disconnect links at sway bar and test drive. Worked for me. Cheers
Senior Member
Joined: 04-16-2009
Posts: 124
From: Georgia
Finally got around to checking my end links and I can easily see that the rubber is deformed and dry. I will be ordering my replacement MOOG K750012 end links (9.86inches center to center) on Friday. When they arrive, I will take pictures of the old ones so you can see how bad the rubber has deformed over 89k+ miles.
Member
Joined: 12-31-2011
Posts: 31
From: Orange County CA
I still have the clunk (front right area) and I replaced the sway bar links and control arm bushings 
Next are the strut mounts...I'll let you know if this cures it. I only hear it on low speed dips and speed bumps. Sometimes it goes away for a day or 2 but comes back. Also I get scary torque steer when I floor it in 2nd gear??? It gets really squirly.
Next are the strut mounts...I'll let you know if this cures it. I only hear it on low speed dips and speed bumps. Sometimes it goes away for a day or 2 but comes back. Also I get scary torque steer when I floor it in 2nd gear??? It gets really squirly.
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,719
From: Alabama
I still have the clunk (front right area) and I replaced the sway bar links and control arm bushings Next are the strut mounts...I'll let you know if this cures it. I only hear it on low speed dips and speed bumps. Sometimes it goes away for a day or 2 but comes back. Also I get scary torque steer when I floor it in 2nd gear??? It gets really squirly.
Next are the strut mounts...I'll let you know if this cures it. I only hear it on low speed dips and speed bumps. Sometimes it goes away for a day or 2 but comes back. Also I get scary torque steer when I floor it in 2nd gear??? It gets really squirly.
Member
Joined: 01-12-2011
Posts: 60
From: Montreal,Canada
Member
Joined: 07-18-2012
Posts: 36
From: Corona
Loose mounting hardware first
I puchased my 2006 LT used 1 month ago with a heavy rattle over rough serfaces or bumps.I first changed the front sway bar bushings and that got rid of the big rattling noise. OK now.
Every once in awhile it would get a pop or cluck when turning at slow speed or forward to reverse. Just this week real bad. Looked over all the suspension bushing, ball joints and engine mounts, looked good. It ended up being lower control arm front mounting bolts to frame not secured enough as well as rear bushing through bolts not torque to specs. Now it's quiet as a mouse. Might want to go over all the suspension and engine mount hardware, too be sure all is torque to specs. Even after you have found worn parts that were due for replacement.
Every once in awhile it would get a pop or cluck when turning at slow speed or forward to reverse. Just this week real bad. Looked over all the suspension bushing, ball joints and engine mounts, looked good. It ended up being lower control arm front mounting bolts to frame not secured enough as well as rear bushing through bolts not torque to specs. Now it's quiet as a mouse. Might want to go over all the suspension and engine mount hardware, too be sure all is torque to specs. Even after you have found worn parts that were due for replacement.
