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Replacing front and rear coil springs

Tiny
NASER NASER
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET HHR
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
I bought a sharp looking HHR but the previous owner had it lowered so am replacing front shock/coil assembly as well as rear coils only as am sure they used shorter ones. Can you give me instructions on both?
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 3:50 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
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  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

The fronts are part of the strut. Once you remove the strut, you will need a strut tool to remove the spring and install. It would be better to replace the entire unit with a quick strut which contains everything.

The rears are easier. You need to release the lower bolt on the shock and let down the suspension and spring comes right out.

Roy
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Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
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Removed all that but only the top of coil came out easily, the bottom is stuck. Are you sure nothing holds it in place? I tried moving it around and it seems like it's held by something.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:19 AM
Tiny
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Okay, if there is no bolt in the center at the bottom of the spring, then it is just stuck.

Spray it down with some lubricant. You may need t use some force to free it.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:33 AM
Tiny
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Got it out, now when I removed the plastic cushions that each end sit on and inserted them on the new springs there is a lot of play, maybe because they came from the older aftermarket springs? Would I need to purchase new hem size ones?
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:38 AM
Tiny
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Is that after installing the springs and shocks and sitting it on the ground?

You do not need to replace the cushions. They should be the same for both springs.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:41 AM
Tiny
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No, while both springs outside the seats are much tighter on the current aftermarket springs, while they are looser on the hem size I purchased.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
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Also now since am installing the normal size OEM length it is much harder to out them in, not enough room even though the suspension is hanging free. Maybe take the other size down?
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
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No, you may have to pry down on the suspension to get them in. Use a long pry bar and move it down to install.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 8:55 AM
Tiny
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All good went in, thanks!
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
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Good deal.

You are welcome.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 AT 10:11 AM

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