I have a 2008 2lt with about 40,000 miles. I bought it a year ago with 28,000. I seem to have a lot of road noise from the car and was wondering if anyone else had the same problem. The car came with 17" firestone firehawks. I had to replace two over the last year and a half due to sidewall punctures. These 17" tires don't like potholes. Are they particularly noisy or is the HHR a "roadnoisy" car?

 

Or you have a bad hub bearing.

 

Early this year I needed new treads, went w/ Bridgestone Potenzas. Noticeably quieter w/ the Potenzas vs the OEM Firehawks.

And I whole heartedly agree w/ the statement that 17"s don't like potholes!!

 

Thanks guys, I will check out both your suggestions.

 

Tire Rack.com has ratings on noise for tires. I notice the noise from the Firehawks when I cross bridges with solid railings or drive through tunnels. They don't have much traction in snow and ice either.

 

you're right about traction. You are in the "snowbelt" like me, and they don't do winter well. Maybe not even rated for winter.

 

Old Firehawks: lots of road noise
Switched to BFG's: end of road noise. rides like buttah

 

I have the same issue since 1 year and two months. I thought that the noise was designed to recreate an old fasion style (LOL) When I´m driving in a straigth way, I can heard a rumble noise in the driver´s side, but if I still driving and make a turn, is getting worst. I made a test today. I lift the front of my hhr, to keep "in the air" the wheel. I turn on the engine, put in drive without press gas pedal, and the driver didn´t move, just the passenger side! Also, I manually rotate the wheel, and the tire is really hard to turn...Then, I think that is the hub bearing. I just ordered the part to the dealer, I´m going to wait about 2 week, Ironic If I live in México, and living about 60 far where the HHR is made. I´m going to make this work. I´ll keep you posted...

 

Yep, sure sounds like possibly a hub bearing, from your tests..

Here's the diagram & torque specs, HHR Axle nut 81 ft lbs, & Hub bearing bolts are 85 ft lbs

 

Good info/diagram Sleeper