Everytime I go over any sort of bump, it sounds like my car is going to fall apart. What could be causing this? I drove my brother-in-law's camry today and it was so smooth! Should I look into new shocks? struts?


Thanks!
Andy

 

This may sound obvious, but check your tire pressure. I had a similar problem and decreased my tire pressure to the recommended amount and I am much happier with my ride.

 

It does that no matter what the tire pressure is.... did the same with my snow rims and tires on too

 

Honestly look into your sway bar bushings and end links, I know its not struts as my dealer replaced mine and it still makes the noise even the morning right after they were replaced. This is a common problem Ive had it since 20k miles, if you look in the Problems/Service Issues area or a search for either of those things I listed you will find alot of threads about it.

 

it's not a clunking noise or anything, I had that fixed.... it's just that the ride isn't smooth at all

 

You can't compare an HHR to a Camry. They are not in the same class. The Camry is much more refined and expensive. The HHR, as cool as it is, is built on an econobox platform. That coupled with low profile tires, well, you'll feel more of the road than you may want to. Drive a Colbalt, or a Civic, or a Corolla. All in the econobox class. All have relatively rough rides when compared to mid and full sized cars. I'm told the "box" cars (Element, Soul, xB, etc) really ride rough. Then again these are sub 20k cars.

 

ecl, not always the case... I had the struts replaced on mine, and that fixed the problem, for a few months at least... I've had the sway bar links, struts, and steering column replaced. Let's hope that's it!

I do agree with what Doc said. The HHR is no luxury car. Yes it rides better than a Mustang, or a Silverado HD, but it's not going to ride like a CTS.

 

again, i'm not talking about the clunking coming from under the car, it's the entire suspension in general, CrazyKid.... I've also had those things replaced (from the front end clunking), which fixed it..... it's now just a rough ride in general, where I just cringe everytime I see a bump coming.... not the case when I drove my bro-in-law's corolla.... just a smooth ride in general, and I wasn't sure if new shocks or something would help me out on the HHR

 

I have another idea on this. Are your tires the original Firestones? I just put new tires on my HHR. They are Kelly Navigator Touring Gold. A lot of what I thought were suspension rattles seem to be gone now. I went over rail road tracks this morning on my way to work, and it was very smooth, not at all like it was with the old tires.

 

i have good years on there now