Do Not do this job with only the "stock jack" ...... It's barely capable of a tire change. Get a decent jack and some stands, then contemplate this as a DIY. We don't want to lose you, your family doesn't want to lose you.... I think you get the point. Be Safe!

 

Ok there's my excuse to have a shop do it...I guess I'll buy the MOOGs and have a shop guy put em on.

 

 

So it appears the MOOG end links part# K750012 are for the FE5 suspension? I have a 1LT, which I think is FE1. So what do I buy? Anyone? Thanks.

 

Found some info on Rockauto, but not sure...

I think this is the FE5 end link?:

MOOG Part # K750012 9.86" Center to Center
Frt Susp; 9.86" length center to center
$21.79
Add to Cart



Is this longer one for the FE1?

MOOG Part # K80252
Frt Susp; 11.80" length center to center
$25.99
Add to Cart

FYI neither appear to have the grease nipple...was that discontinued?

 

I have fe5 and I had the Dealer install the shorter ones. That much I know

 

I've got the FE3 suspension and mine are the 9.86". In doing some other checking after my posts, I've been told to stay with the length currently on the HHR at the present time. Otherwise, it could mess up the geometry of the front end components, possibly causing premature tire wear and other problems.
Sounds logical to me.

Not sure if the diameter of the sway bar, for the bushings, would be the same on all types of suspensions. But, given there are different types - FE1, FE3 and FE5 - there probably should be a difference.

 

I think it's the 11.8" length for the FE1 suspension and the 9.8" length for the FE5...not sure about FE3. One site, 1aauto.com has it in the item description when you look up K750012 (the 9.8" MOOG end link) it says "For models with FE5 Sport Suspension", and for MOOG part# K80252 (the 11.8") is says "excluding FE5" and "Not correct for models with RPO-FE5 Performance Handling and Suspension", though aa1 doesn't officially link that one under HHRs, it does have linked for use in the 06-09 Cobalts, which are the same from what I understand. Also, other sites, like Rockauto have it (the MOOG K80252) listed under 1LT 2.2L HHRs (note, it also has the 9.8" K750012 listed under them too)...that can be confusing...I"m sure some out there have bought the wrong length at some point. Anyway, I ordered 2 K80252's and 2 Sway bar Bushings from energysuspensions. Will have my local Midas guy (was a GM tech for 20+ yrs) put them on after I get them...

This leaves the leaking struts and possibly the intermediate shaft as potential issues. Hopefully, the end links and bushings remedy the clunking I'm having, but I suppose I will need to get the struts replaced regardless if they are indeed leaking? What's the consensus on the best replacment option for the struts? Anyone?

 

I have the 2LT (FE3) and mine are 9.8"

 

Plus, you do need to get both sides up at the same time! But jackstands are cheap at the local pawn shop. It should be easy enough to measure the ones you have by just turning the wheels and laying on the ground? I think that Almost all HHRs have the 9.8 inch (10"). I installed the 12" on mine because I got a really good deal on them, and nobody could give me a reason not to. They seem to work fine, but one side rubs the control arm sometimes, leading me to new bushings when I get a chance.

Oh, ALL of the after market links seem to be greasable, and most of the bushings.