Rock Auto has a kit that has LCA with ball jionts,and all new bushings,end links,inner and outer tie rod ends, all moog parts and greasable. Just installed on my 08 panel and couldn't be happier with the results. Ran around 350 for all,solved all my noise and handling issues. Dont forget to use the discount code and you will need a wheel alignment immediately

 

This is great advice... Since I’m no front end or suspension expert, I’m going to have my mechanic friend do the work, but I’m going to show him this info, because I really want him to follow protocol on this rather than doing it in a generic way. He barely charges me anything.. I just had a new radiator installed, hoses, all belts and alternator changed in my Saturn, and he charged me $75 to do it all. But- I’m going to make sure to order the Aluminum one for sure!

I’m not sure of the discount code?
edited to just say I found the discount code, thanks to the post today!

 

On a good note, I have just finished replacing the battery today. I can’t believe it was the stock AC Delco after 10 years. Sunday, I sat with the radio on while working on the interior parts, installing new sun visors, new shift knob, and floor mats. By the time I was done, the battery was dead. Went to load test it and saw it was the original, and I realized that’s the problem since the load was dropping like the second hand on a clock.
After much debate, I decided to get a EverStart Maxx with the 5 year Free replacement warranty, I can assure that they’ll be around to stand behind that, should it go bad beforehand.

I was curious if anyone has experience with using EverStart batteries? The AC Delco battery was rated at 580 CCA / 620 CA, now the EverStart is rated 650 CCA / 700 CA.
The info I find on it seems to be fine for using a higher cold crank amps, but not sure if it messes with the alternator or computer? It seems that other brands of batteries also choose the higher CCA for compatible batteries.

I drove it around town to get 3 new wiper blades, and definitely could tell the difference in power and brightness of the headlights. Seems to be perfectly fine so far, but I just want to be sure, and especially listen to experience.

 

"AC Delco battery was rated at 580 CCA / 620 CA, now the EverStart is rated 650 CCA / 700 CA."
"not sure if it messes with the alternator or computer"

The new battery just has a slightly higher capacity, nothing to be concerned with. Your good to go with it.

 

Excellent! I appreciate it.

 

I've use EverStart Maxx several times (not for HHR's), because they're cheap and in stock at Wallymart, and because Consumer Reports likes them, but they emphasize that battery performance can vary widely within a brand/model depending on the size.

I've now had 2 HHR's in which the factory battery lasted 10 year or so, and that makes we want to buy the EOM battery at any price.

When it's time, buy quiet tires. Few things will make you hate your car more than noisy tires.

 

If you have a sunroof, be sure to check the drain hoses to see if they're clear and to make sure the hoses haven't shrunk.

 

Glad to hear! Yes, I agree that an AC Delco might be a great gamble knowing that they do last. However, my gamble on it was that the only way I could acquire one was through the GM dealer, and they explained that in order to have the full warranty on it, that it must be installed by a GM Dealer. Now, the math is such that it would literally cost me nearly 4 Walmart batteries for the cost of having the dealer install an AC Delco.
I’ve also had other Walmart batteries in other cars, and only once had them go out within the 5 year window. Walmart made no qualm, and I walked out with a fresh new battery in 10 minutes. Better yet, they weren’t stocking my exact battery, so they replaced it with the Extended Duty battery when I had only purchased the standard. So, with that in mind, I truly don’t have much to lose, with that kind of backing. I can’t say enough good for Walmart’s open door policy when it comes to their warranties. I’ve gotten free replacement Vacuum cleaners, car stereos, and even furniture replaced under their in-house warranties.
Again, I really appreciate the insight!

 

fortunately I don’t have a sunroof, and happy about that. I’m kind of past the time of my life where a sunroof seems like a good idea. I’ve had 2 cars with them, and there was always one problem or another with them. Either the seal would leak or crack and you’d have to replace it, electrical issues, drainage issues, or you’d have to find someone who knows sunroofs really well to get them to realign it, should the tracks go wonky...
They are a great novelty for a while, but then it becomes more of a liability than excitement. 🤙🏻

 

Good luck finding a battery made by the same factory that made the OEM battery. Even the Firestone tires are slightly different from the after market; you can get them from Firestone but they cost a lot more.

I had bad experiences with Walmart batteries. The replacement failed faster than the first one.