Got out this morning and installed a new set of KYB front struts along with some new strut mounts and rear KYB shocks. What a difference in ride now. I knew I needed to replace them but I guess you just get used to it driving on a daily basis. Rotated tires and adjusted rear brakes while I was under her. Feels like a different car. I guess the clunks I was getting were strut related because on the test ride it was GONE!

Buying from on line vendors sure helps save some $ too.

 

Cool beans!

It really is like driving a whole new HHR when you swap out the tired OEM hardware.

Glad to hear the clunks have gone away too.

 

Thanks. It does feel like a different car. Feels almost new again. Going on a trip to Corpus Christi TX tomorrow for a few days so it will be a nicer ride down. I will have the alignment checked when I get back just in case. I know I have a front wheel bearing starting to make some noise so I guess I will have the dealer do an alignment when the replace the wheel bearing under warranty.

 

Glad to see someone went with the KYB's!... Where they pretty easy to do?
I am about to order the parts to do my as well and have never done struts before but have all the tools...
Did you replace stops, boots etc?.. About how long did it take?

I am getting all those annoying clunks and thunks now, 67k, so I figure its about time...

 

Just Bought a set of KYB's Cant wait to install... actually cant drive the car really.
The struts are caput at 80k... Major clunking and Basketballing!

George

 

That must be why mine don't feel as good as it did, 67k

 

Not sure if my answer is too late but wasnt really hard but I have changed strut cartridges before. Make sure you have a good spring compressor for the springs. Front struts were probably an hour to hour and a half. Replaced upper strut mounts too. Rear shocks, took way longer to get the wheels off than to replace the schocks.

 

Installed the Kyb struts and it made a huge difference in the ride.
also much quicker turn in. the old ones were both leaking fluid and were
Just dead! Definitely recommended!

 

Every since I installed the new KYB struts I would get what would sound like a grinding sound every now and again when I would turn. I pulled the struts off and disassembled from the springs and sure enough there has been contact on top. Not from the strut but from the top strut plate and the strut mount. Upon investigating it looks like I had the top plate 180 degree from where it should have been.

Re-assembled last sunday and have not heard the noise again. It has been a week so I think she is good to go. Obviously I did not realize that they could be put on incorrectly or I would have been more careful.

The other thing I did while I had the front end apart was install new brake hardware. The little metal pieces that the front pads sit in and the boots where the caliper bolts go through. Doing this and putting new grease in the boots and the proper lube on the pad stays make a difference in the brake feel. Well worth the $12.

 

That top plate thing WILL do that. Good to hear you found and fixed it, though...