While I was doing the brake job this past weekend, I noticed the top of the struts had a small amount of oil on the outside. No runs or anything, but a very slight leak for now. Has anyone replaced their struts aftermarket? I looked at Advances web site and the have a passenger side Sense-a-trac listed (why no drivers ). I've used those in the past with good results.

ANy other options anyone know about? No, not looking for the expensive adjustables.......

I've got to read up on what's needed to pull these. No big hurry, probably can go another year at least, unless they start to get worse.

I just took a look on EBay, they have a set of 4 KYB (2 struts, 2 shocks) for under $200 shipped, not too bad....

 

I'm sure many will recommend that you just upgrade to the SS or Cobalt SS struts/shocks, or even the 2LT "sport" struts/shocks- I think the issue (I can't remember) is whether the KYB replacements are the equivalent to the LS/1LT "touring" or 2LT "sport" struts/shocks. The job itself isn't that hard, although you would need some form of spring compressor, and a "pass-thru" socket/wrench for the front struts' top nuts-

 

I got the KYB rear for a great price off ebay....the company was named justsuspension...They are in NC , so i liked that also...(spending my $ close to home).

 

I got a pair from Amazon.com for around $110, but is catch it if they got there. You can borrow the spring compressor from Advance or Autozone. I did not need the special socket, just used vice grips on removal and air gun for install. I would suggest you spend the extra for new mounts the "bearings" do wear out, they cost almost as much as the struts.
When I went about shopping for the struts, I found that for some reason "brick & mortar" stores only stock one, strange.

 

Those of you that have used KYB on your HHR, how do you like them?? And is your HHR lowered with them? Thanks

 

i got KYB's on the rear, and they're allot better than the stock ones. i am lowered... about as low as you can go without cutting up the wheel wells. The KYB's feel allot smoother, and don't bottom out in the stock locations. As for removal of the front struts, i got some help from Airlift http://easystreetair.com/manuals/75594.pdf . the hardest part was knocking out the old lower mounting bolts, just need a bigger hammer .

 

You just remeinded me, my gun died. Gotta get a new one.

That's a great link.

Hope I got a BFH big enough.....

 

I actually had to use a 5lb sledge hammer on the right lower bolt, worked great. Im sure it was just a coincidence the tech doing the alignment afterward asked if I had hit a big pothole on that side.

 

KYB struts are about the same as the stock 2LT. I have them on mine. Changing them took the better part of an afternoon but nothing really hard to do.

 

"Hope I got a BFH big enough....."

I used a 2.5 lb. short handle sledge and a drift, challenging but not awesome. I did not even start thinking air chisel, but might that have worked better!

"You just reminded me, my gun died. Gotta get a new one. "

The cheap POS that came with my compressor died just before I did this job. I now have a new Harbor Freight down the street.