I replaced the rear shocks a few thousand miles ago. But it probably wouldn't hurt to check them when I pull the drums to check the breaks.

 

Link in my signature for help with suspension noises.

 

I've been going through those. Right now my opinion is that I made a poor choice with cheap struts and sway bar links. I'm thinking the upper mounting plate/bearing is bad. But basically I'm getting a knock/popping sound when I brake more than lightly. I've gone through and re-torqued everything. It helped for a while but since it really cooled off lately, it's back and worse.
I have a thread on it here. https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...braking-66279/

 

Have you checked the LCA bushings?

 

I did. They are good to go. Nice and solid.

 

If you got just the shock part of the struts and reused everything else that was a mistake. Check the 3 smaller nuts on the strut tower, they can loosen up. Check the sway bar bushings

 

Torque the brake caliper bracket bolts to 85 foot pounds.
still making noise? Replace those cheap struts, KYB are the preferred brand.

 

I did quick struts from amazon. They had a lot of good reviews, but not a brand that anyone would recognize. I'll retorque the nuts again this morning and the brake caliper bolts and see if it changes anything. But I'll probably hit AutoZone and snag the KYBs. There's a rebate on them right now anyway. The bushing are new. (less than 6 months)

 

Price those KYB ‘s at AutoZone, then do an online search. AutoZone prices are usually very high.
Last set(4) of KYB shocks for my old Dodge.
AZ was $448.
RockAuto had them for $232.

 

I updated the thread over here since that's the one for the front end noise.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...braking-66279/

TLDR; going thru and torquing stuff didn't stop the noise, it changed it.