leaving the driveway it sounds like plastic scraping. so i back up and go down again no sound. the struts have a plastic accordian cover. i believe when the plastic compresses thats the scraping sound.
i get no clunks. 1600 miles

 

Mine will do it again and again. Wish it only did it once in the morning.

 

I just noticed a creaking suspension noise from the front end now that its cold out. Mine is an '08. Guess Ill take it in for a look, probably bushings.
So if there is a TSB for it they should find it pretty quick.

 

I had a squeek in the front suspension when both wheels moved together up or down in cold weather. The dealer replaced both links between the sway bar and the struts. Part number 15782690. I had asked him to lubricate the rubber bushings, but he said that he could not lubricate them or replace them. Replacing the links was the only option. I do have extended warranty.

2006 2.4L Auto

 

Well, stabilizer links were replaced yesterday. This morning it was 9F out and the noise was as loud as ever. Oh and the damn headliner is ticking again. If this thing was still worth anything, I would seriously consider getting rid of it

 

Take it in to the dealer - Same thing happening to my HHR and it is a steering column problem requiring replacement parts.

 

Just had my struts replaced--had the scraping sound as if the front spoiler was scraping the ground, get them checked, it seems to be a common problem with these cars.

 

I had a worse reply when I complained. They said that since I changed the rear springs (Gold Line Levelers) and installed a rear sway bar, they would not even look. I told them that I had the noise before, and it is documented on their work orders, and that I was hoping that the new springs would quiet the noise. But, they also gave me a hard time for 2 years about replacing my battery that kept dying, especially in cold weather, but would instantly start the car after a quick boost which clearly indicated that it was not drained (just a bad cell). The dealer told me that the aftermarked stereo I put in could be the problem. Finally, I showed them a TSB about the battery problem, they changed mine, and the car has started ever since (knock on wood).

Dealers are always looking for an excuse to get out of warranty work. They get paid less for it and have more paperwork to do. If they can stall you until the warranty is over, they will gladly fix it then (for cash).

I just heard about a place that shortes KYB shocks so they dont fall out of lowered HHR's, so hopefully when I replace them that will solve my noise problem. Otherwise, the only thing left is the bushings.

 

Just got the maintenance records of my 2007 LT from the dealership where it was originally purchased. Seems like the original owner was experiencing the same type problem. He brought it in on 10 NOV 2008 for "Clunking Noise in Front end"

This came straight off the dealership Invoice.

Cause: Loose E2147 Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Both Sides.
2901 WC N/C
2 15787554 Link N/C
FC: 2W
Part# 15782690
Count : 2


17682 Both FT Stabilizer bar end links very loose. Test drive: Rattles.

Removed and replaced both links and assembled. Test drive OK.


This was done at 17,682 miles. I purchased the vehicle about two months later with 18,800 miles and have not experienced any problems so far with front end noise.

This is a 2007 HHR LT1 with the 2LT preferred equip. So I believe it came with the FE3-Sport tuned suspension and FX2 -3.91 axle ratio.

 

Hey teech I have the same noise and have had mine in to the dealer to be checked , was told that it is the rubber that the front springs set in on the front struts .
When the weather is cold and i hit a speed bump sound like front end is going to come off . But thank goodness warmer weather is on the way