My wife just got a 2010 LT with 24,000 miles. This is our first car with an open interior and we have noticed more clunking noises coming from the rear of the car. It seems it is from the movement of the suspension when hitting sharp edged bumps. I'm thinking it's just the nature of the beast but wanted to see what long term owners have to say. Is there a problem we should look in to or something we have to live with? Thanks. P.S. This is one VERY cool car and fun to drive too.

 

First off, Welcome!! You may just be noticing the sounds of the tires slapping at the pavement over bumps and the like. But since you've just brought your new addition home, I'd have it looked over by the dealer just to make sure it isn't something like a wheel bearing starting to go. There are some issues with noises in the front ends of HHR's caused by the sway bar links, they can snap and rattle. Also something to have checked if you have it looked at. But don't let a few sounds that are new to you sour your fun, the HHR is a hoot to drive and very addictive....I've got two.

 

I have owned 3 HHR's in the last 2 1/2 years, I can say I am very fond of them to say the least. I cant really say that I have noticed anything unusual of the 3 I have had, my 08 2LT had one of the sway bar end links break on me. Mad a terrible clunking noise while driving, and really bad vibration when stopping.

 

Cold weather up your way, & cold / hard tires, might just be them hitting bumps.
But as 843de stated, better to have it checked..

 

I just purchased my 07 2LT 3 weeks ago and mine is making a similar sound when i hit bumps...shop says the rear shocks are gone and they will replace them.

 

Shock bushings or even exhaust mounts may case this noise. It would not hurt to crawl under it and just look things over.

Just because it is in the right rear still look over everything, sound travels.

Could even be the spare tire or jack make sure it is tight.

 

Also check to see if the rear suspension is bottoming out. Look to see there is clean spots where the rubber stop is hitting the spring perch.

Could be bad shocks, could also be that the previous owner lowered the rear. The rear springs can also make noises if the isolator between the spring and the upper mount has gone bad.

Just a couple of ideas..........

 

The HHR unfortunately does not have a lot of sound suppression on the underside, so you will tend to hear more of the road than you might with other cars. You also have 24k on the factory Firestones, at least I'm assuming you still have the OEM tires. When we replaced the original Firestones over the summer with Kellys, the road noise and "clunks" dropped dramatically, and ride quality improved 10 fold.

 

Thanks much for all the info. It does sound as though it may just be the tires rebounding from sharp bumps as it's not real loud. It's going to be warmer here this weekend, maybe that could change things. I will have to check for a loose spare and or jack too. This car is a lot of fun.

 

Check in the spare tire compartment for something unsecured. There's also that plastic shelf for extra storage that may be loose.