Another problem. I am not sure what happened as it wasn't a pothole or hard bump or off roading. I heard a clunk today under the hood, and it is actually coming from the passenger side tire. Looked under the wheel well and found the stabilizer bar just lying on the axle. I then looked at the strut and saw that it wasn't going to be a quick fix.






Based on this, it seems I would have to purchase a strut kit and because of finances I would have to do the work myself. I have read several threads about this and it seems like for someone who has a little familiarity with tools and the components it can be done. What would some advice be for someone doing this for the first time? Things to be careful of or watch out for?

 

It's a pretty easy job with the easy strut kits. It is best to replace both struts together if you have high mileage on them.

Just make sure the vehicle is well supported while working on it - and torque the bolts to specs (they are noted here somewhere).

In the meantime, you should be able to remove the stabilizer bar link so you can drive it until you get the new strut(s) installed.

Oh, the big bolts that hold the lower part of the strut are SPLINED - so they do need to be beat out sometimes - just be careful not to damage the threads. When reinserting them, make sure the splines are lined up - and be gentle until you are sure they are lined up (they may take a bit of pounding to get them inserted.

 

Torque values are in this thread: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...e-specs-47015/

 

I am amazed that this is your first noise complaint. The link has been bad for a very long time in order to break like that.

 

Thanks Whopper. I priced my struts based on what has been suggested in other forums so it will take a week or so to get that together. Thanks for the torque info and the advice.

donbrew-I hadn't heard a noise, a clunk or anything but I must have missed something.

Working on the links which is locked in pretty good but hopefully, prayerfully I can get this all done in the week without spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

Thanks to you both.

 

You need new links too. A really good idea to do both sides.

The way that ear could get broken like that is the link bolt has been loose for a very long time.

 

X2 on donbrews comment.

For those that aren't sure exactly what this thread is about, I took a picture for you.(sorry Skegeehump. No offense , but your pic was pretty bad. )

Just happened to be rotating my tires this morning and cleaning up the inside wheel wells.

 

No offense taken!!! It was a bad picture.


Working on getting all the parts needed. Nice picture!!!

 

Nice picture? Did you notice the lack of wax on the underside of the spring support? Shameful - totally shameful.

 

That IS wax haze on the spring perch. I just haven't put the buffer to it yet!!!