"Every HHR had this problem": other than what I would call "normal" strut noise as they top or bottom out going over rolling bumps (which affects a lot of different makes of struts/vehicles), I would call it far from normal.

I'll list the most common issues from what the members here have found one more time:

- struts that are worn/leaking, or the "bearing mount" at the top of the strut (fairly difficult to replace)

- sway bar Links that connect the ends of the sway bar to the suspension (most of them are about 10" long and not pricey and easy to replace)

- sway bar mount bushings that attach the sway bar to the frame and allows the sway bar to pivot in the mounts (a bit awkward to replace but not pricey)

- lower control arm rear bushing (like a big rubber donut encased in a ring of steel) that is the mount for the rear of the LCA (lower control arm) - fairly difficult to replace so a lot of people just replace the LCA that comes complete with the bushing already installed)

Does that help give you a list to check?

Now, how do you find out the procedures for replacing those items? Well, how about using the SEARCH TOOL at the top of the page, and do a little reading.

 

Whopper forgot the wheel hubs/bearings as a source of noise.

At 170K, and no service record cited; ALL of those thing probably are needed.

 

I drove up to the cold NYS climate this week and notice a clunk driving into the many potholes in the area. No clunks when I'm in the sunshine state's broken highways.

 

First post to the forum here. I am going to try and tackle strut bushings this weekend. My wifes HHR SS has been through 2 sets of OEM sway bar links, and now I went with Autozone replacements since the OEM ones don't come off easy (read cutoff wheel when the thin hex strips), and the the lower cost Autozone pieces have an internal hex to hold the stud.

The front end sounds horrible at 92k miles. We live 1/4 mile off a paved road, and she drives several miles of dirt roads on the way out to where she boards her horse. Add glorious Michigan grenade pits (aka roads), and I am not surprised her suspension is beat. The steering sensor just quit, and the intermediate shaft also clicks when you rotate the steering wheel back and forth. Just the other day when I was driving it, I was hearing a groaning from the front end when going over a whooptie-bump (lots of suspension travel). I'm thinking the struts might have eaten themselves too, and will look for damper oil leaks as well.

Love the little hot rod turbo, but miffed at the front end wear.

 

Driving an SS routinely on dirt roads must also do wonders for tooth fillings. I would suggest a different type of vehicle, one with a longer suspension throw and less horse power.

 

I would not worry about a bit of strut noise every once in a while - but yeah, check them out. Every vehicle I've ever had with struts make a little noise at times, especially in the cold mornings.

 

Hey RunswScissors,

Welcome to the forum! I’m sorry to hear of these concerns with your wife’s HHR. I cannot guarantee anything, but I will be glad to look further into these concerns for you. Please send us a private message or an email to socialmedia@gm.com if any extra assistance is needed. I look forward to hear from you!

Kristen A.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

If you are having recurring trouble with the noises, I would recommend getting after market hi performance pieces. Those are generally better. Especially if you are driving on bad surfaces. The little HHR is working overtime on some of those roads. After market parts tend to be US made as well. I replaced my struts, sway bars, brake rotors et cetera on the 2007 I had with NAPA parts. My 2010 has given me no trouble except for a quick wearing out of the brake rotors...NAPA again to the rescue with Canadian made parts.

 

Something you might want to consider before spending any doe: For me it was not so much a "clunk" as it was a "knock". Driving over sharp bumps produced the sound. The solution I found for my particular situation was to firm up the bumpers front and rear (The plastic had a lot of play in it. Inside the wheel wells, too). Some strategically placed pieces of pipe insulation cured the problem. My HHR is much quieter now. Has a tighter feel.

 

My 07 had this problem the day I bought it. Changed sway bar end links, but that wasnt it. Changed the sway bar bushings and presto, noise gone. It a little time consuming but if you have some tools and basic knowledge of cars it is easy to do. Oh and I learned how to change it on this site. So big shout out to the HHR.net family. Always helpful and friendly.