I just made a rear spring change on my '06 HHR, Gold Line Rear only.
Now I have this annoying rattle.
Sounds like something actually loose.
I've had it up on ramps 3 times, up on jack stands twice, remounted the license plate since it wasn't as secure as it needed to be.
I'M BAFFLED.......
Has anyone else had this problem after changing rear springs?

 

I have the Goldline leveling springs and other then an occasional creaking sound from the back passenger side, nothing too bad. I know some folks have mentioned a rattle or sounding like something is loose.

I usually have the Nano on loud so don't notice most noise anyhow (I also have the sunroof open all the time).

Is it a constant rattle?

@

 

no, not constant, occasional when in "rough" roadway.
Sounds just like something is loose......

 

I get the same. Ive had them out twice, mounted them one way then the other. Same noise.

 

Interesting, don't like it but at least it appears I haven't ended up with a problem that is solely mine.

 

Just got back from a round trip to Seattle, the rattle is worse than I imagined.
Driving on concrete freeway it is sometimes constant, asphalt doesn't seem as bad.
Hoping someone out there has come up with the solution to this.........

 

I have the same problem. It sounds like the same noise the latch makes for rear gate when you open it. I've looked all over for it too. I was thinking about tearing apart the tailgate to see it was the latch, but now that you mention i'm beginning to think it is the springs.

 

Had someone send me a message that others have had the same problem.
Seems due to the springs being shorter the stock shocks don't keep sufficient tension when "relaxed" ie the springs actually rattle in their perches.
Can be verified by jacking up the car and letting the rear wheels hang to the bottom of the stock shock extended throw.........you can actually spin the shock in place, I was even able to pull down on the spring and remove from its' top perch.
I checked with HHR Boutique and they can get modified KYB shocks but their $75.00 each.
Someone out there must have some more information on this issue...........

 

The question is..WHEN do they rattle? On mostly smooth road or on a road where the rear is noticably moving up and down? Its not likely the springs ae moving around in the perches as the weight has not changed, just moved closer to the ground..instead check both ends of the shocks an make sure they are tight..with wt on the tires they would seem tight but only because they are being pushed down, preloaded so to say.The only time they would rattle is between compression and rebound strokes, that is , the movement where the shock stops moving from one direction to the opposite direction. At this point they are unloaded and if loose will cause the rattle sound.Remember while you may percieve your going along smoothly those shocks are in constant motion. The only way for the spring to move would be to unload the spring, and that would take raising the car to the point of near no wt on the spring..thats a lot of height! It could be also the shocks are done and need replacement.

 

I see what you're saying.
Don't really think the shocks a shot, this didn't start till changing the springs.
I think rechecking the torque on the bottom shock bolt makes good sense but I don't hold much hope.......I've done that already and even grabbed hold of the shock to see if it was able to "wobble".
I'll let you know.