So I went to the dealer and they said the door looked like it was dropping and that's why I'm getting wind noise, and it'd be about 100 dollars for them to take the driver side door off and put it back on to fix the problem. I'd like to avoid this price and was wondering if there was anything I could do to fix the problem myself as it seems like a simple one. Another thing the dealer said was that they'd be resetting it at the hinge. Not quite sure what that means, but as long as it doesn't require special parts I think I'll have a go at it. Has anyone else had this issue, or something similar done to their HHR?

 

Have at it, but don't be surprised if this turns out to be beyond your skill set, the $100.00 price goes up if you take it to the dealer later to repair what you maybe couldn't.
the hinges have to be aligned and set properly, then there's the wiring harness to to avoid damaging and the weight of the door to hold up while you adjust the bolts on the hinges, $100.00 sounds like a deal to me, and I've been in th auto replace field for 45 years.

 

Yes. Not a job for the beginner or inexperienced.
I just spent a bunch of attempts, trying to adjust the door on my Dodge truck. And yes, I've done this type work before. I finally had to shim my lower hinge because of excessive wear on the hinge pins. Finally got it perfect.

If the door of your HHR is sagging, I would suspect a hinge problem. Doors don't normally get out of adjustment. It's either a worn hinge or previous body damage/repairs that are the cause.

 

Ditto to both of the replies above, adjusting door fit is an absolute bear of a job.

 

There was a member that had a thread about aligning doors, but he wouldn't elaborate as to how he did it. That would have been a handy how-to.

George, try NAPA for new hinge pins. They might surprise you.

 

Actually that's what I did donbrew. Dorman kit. Problem was, the hole in the hinge where the bushing inserts was a little wallowed out. The new bushing split after a couple weeks in that elongated hole.
I really need a complete new hinge but I'll deal with that in a few years.

 

Ditto what the others said, its doable but a PIA even when you have some experience with it. $100 sounds like a deal to me. Ask them how long they warranty the work.

 

Thanks everyone for all of the replies. I guess it sounds like I won't be doing this fix myself.

 

Hi there,

Please feel free to send me an update regarding the repair of your door. Let me know if further assistance is needed. Any feedback is appreciated!

Patsy G
Chevrolet Customer Care