Just replaced both front struts and links on my 06 HHR. Car is handling fine and and dull clunking sound is gone when rolling over rough roads or curbs etc. However if I turn sharply left, as if avoiding road kill, then correct back, I hear a pronounced clunk. I actually put original struts back on and same condition. All parts are on correct and torques to spec. I am baffled. Any thoughts?

 

Drive boot bad?

 

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...g-pop-s-50648/

I bet nobody looked at your Lower Control Arm bushings.

 

??? Say what ?

 

I think he's referencing the axle shaft boot, causing CV joint damage.

It sounds like what is described in the GM bulletin posted in a link above.

 

Sudden control input to the steering system will cause body roll, so check you LCA rear bushings and the sway bar bushings and end links, I have seen the end link nuts not tightened up and the LCA bushings look fine but fall apart when I removed the arm.
It's not very common for the ball joints to be the issue but possible!

 

Kind of sounds like a sticking strut bearing. Turn the wheel, then turn it back and the spring binds, then "pops" back into place.
When you replaced the struts, were they quick struts ? If just the strut cartridges, did you replace the bearings ?

 

Yes, they were quick struts, ie with springs.