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Problems/Service/RepairsIf you have a problem with your HHR, want a tip on repairing or performing a particular service to you HHR here is the place to post!
A Chevy mechanic acquaintance calls the HHR/Cobalt stabilizer bar links “rattlinks.” He says they’re usually the first thing to go.
My first HHR, 2008 LS, got the exact OP symptoms on the right side at just 30K or so (?) and replacing the link (w/ Moog) on his advice fixed it, even though it didn’t seem loose. But if I leaned on the passenger side front bumper with my knee I could hear it. (Also the Chevy mechanic’s hint.)
Left side followed, quite a bit later, don’t remember, 50-60K, maybe?
If you get a low speed rattle w/ original links, consider just replacing both w/ the Moogs, which have grease fittings. It’s cheap and easy, and might work. The only down side is you gotta remember to tell the oil change people to grease those links.
Last edited by PulpFriction; Mar 19, 2020 at 06:02 PM.
Always replace calipers and hoses as a pair
and the bolt is a little low, any thumping in that area?
No, thumping. Everything seem to be okay on that side. I will replace the hose on the other side, rebuild the caliper and flush the fluid. It has been almost 2 years anyway. Will see if this helps.
If you get a low speed rattle w/ original links, consider just replacing both w/ the Moogs, which have grease fittings. It’s cheap and easy, and might work. The only down side is you gotta remember to tell the oil change people to grease those links.
I actually installed Moogs at the same time when I was replacing the shocks. How often do those things need to be greased and how do you do it?
I greased Oldblue’s every 3 to 5,000 miles, there should be grease zerks in both ends
Good to know. I hope these come pre-greased. I just installed them out of the package and didn't even bother greasing them. Them seemed a little too rough though. It has been around 7,000 miles since installation.
I just got a grease gun and Mobil 1 synthetic grease. Will grease both of them ASAP.
), and it is just as the guy in the video shows (8:44 min). I was able to stick my index finger right in there.
I also experience some shacking of the steering wheel when the car is in "drive", which is accompanied by a rattling sound.
Transmission mount that is visible on the bottom is still okay. I have no idea how the other one is, but judging by what the guy in the video found, it is the one that is the least deformed. I will replace just the motor mount and see how the car performs.
I found this motor mount on Amazon (
