Tools Required

• The most important tool for this task is a spring compressor, which is used to hold the strut spring in place during replacement. Jack stands along with a jack are used to lift the HHR off the ground and hold the frame in place while you work on the struts. A good set of hand-tools that include a ratchet, sockets, wrenches, Allen wrenches, screwdrivers and a good torque wrench also are required.
  
  

Raise the HHR Frame and Remove Tire

• Use the jack to raise the vehicle and slide the jack stands under the frame near the wheel on which you will be working. Before lifting the HHR, make sure that chocks are placed behind the tires that will stay on the ground. Remove the lug nuts and tire to gain access to the strut.
  
  

Disconnect Strut and Removal

• Remove the cap or cover from the strut. Slide the spring compressor into place so the strut will remain in place while you disconnect it. The spring compressor holds the spring while the remaining strut nuts are removed. Remove the nuts that secure the strut. Slide the strut out from the spring, making sure that the spring compressor is tight enough to hold the spring in place.
  
  

Installation

• Slide the new strut into the spring and tighten the nuts onto the bolts. Remove the spring compressor. Put the tire back on the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lift the HHR off the jack stands, remove the stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts.