So for the last 7000 miles I have had nothing but vibrations go throughout my car. I've taken the car to the dealer about 20-25 times and they are to a point where they can't figure it out.

I have an intermittent vibration in my steering wheel at all speeds. A constant vibration in my floor boards and driver seat at most speeds (15-85mph).

So far the dealer has replaced two tires, replaced sway bar end links, replaced intermediary shaft, road forced balanced all four tires, and adjusted the front end (don't really know what that means).

I'm at a real loss. I've searched and searched on the forums but can't find anything that would point to all these symptoms.

Someone please HELP!

Bought the car brand new in June 2010-2010 Silver LT1 HHR. Has 13k miles on it now, this started around 7k miles.

 

Things I've seen on this forum (and yes I'm just flingin poo against the wall) in addition to what you've had done already:

-bad hubs?
-out of round wheel?
-struts?
-maybe a caliper is hung up...warping rotor?

Again, just trying to brain storm. Vibrations are probably the thing that makes me most crazy in a vehicle. I've got one from 58-70mph, but I'm pretty sure my problem is the tires. Had them balanced 3 times this past year and it's ok for a while and then comes back. Stupid Affinities! Hope you find your problem.

 

Very low miles for this to happen, but parts can fail at anytime..... Have the hubs checked for runout, and play in the front wheel bearings.

 

Try another dealer. I'll fling some poo, too. Bad motor mounts?

 

Obviousely something is loose, or out of round. Greybead has a good suggestion, most other components have been eliminated as the cause, or have been replaced. If it isn't hubs or bearings, IMO your back to tires again. Nothing says a new tire can't be out of round, or have a defective belt inside.

 

Quick test, can you hear it or just feel it?

Get out on a SAFE road and get up to speed where you can hear/feel it and make a left turn AT SPEED. Then make a right turn, AT SPEED. See if the noise/vibration goes away at any one of those times.

It's a slalom test for wheel bearings.

 

I'm dropping it off at the dealer again today. They are going to test the run out on the wheel hubs.

They also said there is a service bulletin out on the rear shocks causing vibration.

I tried the turning at SPEEED, and no change.

I guess we'll see how much gas they can burn up listening and feeling the vibration, before they give it back to me.

 

"Road Force" balanced, is about the best machine to balance tires. It will give a printout after done, as to what was out & what was needed to be corrected. Very expensive Tire machine, that does a superb job.

"adjusted the front end" sounds like front end alignment. (sounds like).

Good Luck, hope you get it sorted out

 

Well, Just got a call from the service manager. The rep drove it with the temperature cold this morning. Felt the vibrations like crazy.

They are replacing all four tires with high end Michelin's tomorrow.


Edit:
They replaced the tires with michelins. Better smoother ride, but even worse vibration. Now the vibration is so bad, that the back of my head bobbles.

 

Update: Ok here's the list of what has been replaced and tested to be in perfect condition:
4 brand new Michelin Tires-Nice ones
New CV Axles on both sides (help a little, but after a few days, back to terrible vibrations)
Stabilizer end links
Rotors and pads-All four NEW
They tested the wheel hubs and they are 99.99% in spec.
New Front struts and springs
New Tie rods and ends
New Steering column
New Rack and Pinion (entire assembly)
Took wheels to a rim repair shop, they are in perfect condition, no bends etc.


Ok, so after all that-The service manager says, "can we just shoot your car and burn it to the ground? We can't figure out whats wrong. We even took it to the other gm dealer in town and they are saying the same thing, they can't figure out what's causing the problem."

So, HHR fanatics and owners-Thoughts?