The Ol' Flash Blue Metallic 2008 HHR 2LT with 43000 miles, was making some noise in the front end over bumps and holes most noticeably at around 25 MPH. so I took it in to get checked. I was informed that my drivers side strut is leaking fluid pretty badly and my passenger side strut doesn't look great either. I was told by the garage that there are no aftermarket parts available for this partuicular model an each strut would be like 160 bucks through GM directly and about over 100 dollars in labor.
My questions: I found what woudl appear to be comperable aftermarket parts on Tire Rack and thourgh like Advance Auto parts... Will these work as a feesible replacement? The vehicle specifications only allow for LT and not 2LT. Will this make a difference? Or better question can I replace a $160 factory part with an $80 aftermarket part? Performance is not a major concern for me as I only drive my HHR essentially back and forth to work.I just need a properly working car.
Last part of the questioning: How difficult is it to do change the struts by yourself? I have only swapped out rear struts on a dodge stratus es and a old Geo storm.
And advice at all is welcome
Thanks again.

 

KYB makes some that are supposed to be a direct swap for the 2LT's. I'll be putting on a set along with shocks in the near future.

As for as the others you mentioned, you might feel a little bit of suspension differance. Might be a little softer ride.

 

But there are after market struts correct? And they should be compatible? The mechanic seemed to be convinced that there were only factory direct struts available...

 

I went in to Advances website and they list one, or one side only (Monroe Sensatrac). WHy, no clue.....

But yes, they are available aftermarket.

 

I'll buy aftermarket, do it myself and save a couple hundred then. It doesn't look too incredibly difficult to me... Without having it in front of me it would seem from memory to be: 3 bolts on top, 2 on the bottom, a wiring harness and a compressed spring.

 

The LT2 comes with the FE3 suspension, the LT1 and LS with the softer FE1, and the SS with the harder FE5. The FE3 is supposedly intermediate in ride quality. I discovered while reading specifications that the FE3 has a thicker front sway bar than the FE1, but neither comes with a factory-installed rear sway bar, only the FE5 does. With respect to struts/shocks, I vaguely remember something about gas shocks being installed as part of the FE3 and not the FE1. Does anyone know what the other differences are between the two lower trim level suspensions? The problem with aftermarket could be that the physical dimensions and fittings of any version of suspension parts may be the same, which makes it a challenge to figure out what aftermarket part corresponds to what level of "stiffness." I believe that KYB is a gas shock or strut, and would be appropriate for the FE3. I bet I know what happens if you need parts for the FE5 - you probably have to go to an online GM part source to get the best price!

 

They are all gas charged, just different valving for ride comfort. KYB is supposed to be similiar (but better I hear) than the FE3, and softer than the FE5 and firmer than the FE1. All are interchangeable.

 

Whay would my gas charged struts be leaking fluid???

 

They also all have a little bit of oil in them for lubrication.

 

I figured as much. The mechanic made it sound as if it was gushing.