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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!
This might be something that all of us should consider…
I’ve just had a terrible situation occur with the Radiator Filler Neck “T” that everyone should be aware of.
The first obvious thing to notice is that it’s made of plastic. That’s where it all begins to throw red flags.
Yesterday morning, I noticed that my “T” had a slow leak just behind the front hose clamp. So, I checked the connection and it seemed to be tight, but to be sure, I disconnected the hose, and saw a hairline crack in the actual connector. After speaking to several parts houses, pretty much none of them including the dealership, with exception of Napa, had any even available to order from the warehouse (taking a week to arrive). After speaking with the service manager at the Chevy Dealer, he mentioned that this same “T” issue has been coming in with a couple models including the Buick LaCrosse, and it seems they have about a 10-12 year lifespan, and they begin to crumble from the constant heat.
Seems to me yet another CHEAP a** part that GM decided to cut corners on, and is a terrible disabling part to keep OEM, should it fail. Especially since I’ve got no other vehicle right now, and this part will take about 7-10 days to get completely fixed. No exception.
So, my question is if anyone has replaced their Filler Neck “T”, and if anyone knows the specs to know if there is a way to replace it with a comparable Aluminum neck connector? (as in the pic below)
Would probably need to know what the dimensions of the existing T is, and also be 15 PSI compatible.
OEM HHR Plastic Filler Neck “T”
Universal Aftermarket Filler Neck “T” -example
I hope this thought and idea can help head off any other owner from having the same disabling issue come up in the future.
Thank you all for any insight and experience in this, as I believe we’re going to see quite a bit of these failing in the next few years. Especially since mine only has 130k miles.
Last edited by planetrj; May 20, 2023 at 07:12 PM.
Update: I was “Driving with a fossilized part”! After removing the filler neck “T”, I’ve discovered that the entire front (radiator) side of the connector has completely become crystallized, and shattered in my hand like a rotting piece of plywood, breaking off completely from the center of the T, inside of the S curve front Radiator hose. This is a terrible part! I hope that we can collectively figure out a replacement part in metal that will solve this issue so nobody has this crack and fail on them.
But they've been out of stock for quite some time.
your previous situation looked exactly like my situation, only it broke off on the overflow spout side…then crumbled when I used a needlenose to extract it from the hose. Ahhh.. if only I would have seen your post almost 3 years ago. Would’ve replaced it then, because that was about the time I replaced the uppers and lower.
A tool made for the exact purpose!!! Who knew?
I would have used a stick with marks every sixteenth inch on it, I wish they would sell things like that pre made.
A tool made for the exact purpose!!! Who knew?
I would have used a stick with marks every sixteenth inch on it, I wish they would sell things like that pre made.
Stop, my sides are hurting!
Thanks Oldblue, I never saw the wishlist button!
RJ, I wish I could have waited for one of these back then, but it's my daily driver. I just ordered this one, should be here this month. Others are a little less, but wouldn't be here until next month.
Stop, my sides are hurting!
