Been fairly lucky with this car....had both wheel bearings go out under 100K so fixed under warranty...wiper transmission went out that was 243 to replace so I've gotten out cheap with this car. Only maintenance has bee regular oil changes, filter changes and brakes and tires.

When it is cold out this car groans and squeaks pretty loudly especially over decent bumps (suspension) has a rattle up front in the suspension. Used to have a clunk in the steering(intermediate shaft) but never had it replaced and clunk really went away.

Only real concern now is after sitting for a bit it makes a loud noise in engine for about 1 to 2 seconds and then goes away...sounds like a dry start but haved been advised it could possibly be the timing chain tensioner? Sounds plausible


In any event, what sort of issues or possible things have people with this type of mileage on their HHR's experienced? Is there any issues with suspension that I should be worried about other than the noises it makes?


Thanks!


Goose

 

WOW Goose, it's been a while.

SOunds like your due shocks/struts. I'd get a tranny service, not a flush. Seems like you've already been doing routine items.

 

plugs plugs plugs

 

And a triple tall mocha!

 

Check the 100k maintenance schedule in your manual and hit everything there. Also it would be a good time to replace the sway bar end links, Moog the is recommended way to go on them. Even though the serpentine belt is recommended at 150k you might as well replace it too. The noise on start up could be timing chain tensioner, so I'd have a tech check that out, it may also be the timing chain itself. And to echo solman98, you're more than due for shocks and struts since their deterioration is subtle over time.

 

But if you're doing 3 of them, you might as well do the 4th. LOL

 

Hey solman good to see yah :)

Ok thnaks for the tips guys...recommendations on struts and shocks? My guess is anywhere besides dealer?

I've been toying with maybe trading out to a Honda Fit for the mpg gains but other than issues I've listed its running pretty good



Idea dollar wise on any of this maintenance? Especially the shocks and struts and the sway bar, bushings etc?


Goose

 

You have made a lot of noise/weird issue related threads. I just thought I would throw that out there.

 

I'm looking at either the KYB's or Monroes to put on this spring. Haven't quite decieded yet on which. KYB's are unloaded and the Monroes are loaded struts.

 

Thanks Solman and others who offered advice on the 100K HHR on what certain things probably are. Over on bitog the guys with knowledge of the Ecotec said the timing chain tensioner is more than likely the culprit

Yeah, car has been good, guess I am sensitive to sounds that don't sound right. Speaking of sounds....2 posts up I heard a really weird sound but then determined that it was nothing


Goose