Well my story in short goes: 2008 HHR LT Chevy CPO. I asked the Sales Mgr why there was no paint on the fender bolts, he said "they are all like that". He handed me a clean Carfax and I went on my way. 6 months later I found out that the Carfax had been updated with a near total accident. I made a complaint to the BBB and was refunded $700 (the premium for CPO) in my mailbox within 48 hours. And I still had some other things fixed under the warranty (that were a result of that accident). My problem is that I drive in excess of 1,000 miles a week, so mileage warranties are pretty worthless.

So, I feel your pain. There is a published checklist that includes things like fresh oil, full tank, etc., but you do have to hold the fire to their toes sometimes. In my case I am sure that NOBODY ever even opened the hood.

 

I too had a clean Car Fax, and it is the reason I bought the car, price+clean record + CPO. The dealership I took it to to do the Steering Column was not the same one I bought it from. I told them I had noise from the front end over bumps (bushings and links most likely) and they did nothing with them, said the Steerling Column fixed those too.

I don't care, I don't want crappy GM parts on this car anymore if I can help it. I ordered the 9.5161G reds and some Moog 10" links. I also figured if I am going to do the links, might as well replace the obviously rusty strut assembly so I bought from FCS complete assemblies.

I noticed there is a lot of talk about the bushings, but no one has ever done photos or a how-to. Everyone makes it sound like it is a nightmare to do the swaybar bushings, but I plan on doing a complete photo and write up.

 

There are a few threads detailing adventures in replacing the sway bar bushings. It is not a nightmare, but does take some ingenuity.

 

So Just did the Sway bar bushings, did it on a lift, very easy.

Dealership had told me there was nothing wrong and very little play in the bushings, I wanted the Energy Suspension ones with the grease fittings (25mm Reds) and I can tell you the car is much tighter now and the creaking and clunk is gone.

I did notice a bit of play at the strut mounts while I was messing around, the struts I ordered from Rockauto along with the Moog end links are not in yet so I couldn't do them at the same time, but I am glad I ordered them too.

I would have to say that Sway Bar Bushing replacement with the Energy Suspension ones is the cheapest and best thing to do for the HHR front end for noise and slop. Well worth the $20 bucks.

 

I don't suppose you have a part number do you?

 

9.5161. R for red or g for black

 

Best front end update for my ride, that was 85,000 miles ago and no clunk has returned!! those LCA rear bushings are a bear to swap out if you don't have a press, I did mine old school with an air chisel and a bench vise took about 1/2 hour per side, it was more fun than drilling out the ball joint rivets!!

 

I fear a rattle in the steering column is back again, not as bad. Which means either A) The dealer I went to lied and never changed it, or B) the Intermediate Shaft is... shafted lol

 

Hey King Aires,

Sorry to hear your rattle has returned. I can certainly reach out to your dealership on your behalf. Please private message me your name, VIN, phone number, and dealership name. I look forward to hearing from you.

Erica Tiffany
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

Message sent, although I have not yet made contact with the dealer to inform them of the issue.