replacing sway bar links
09-14-2011 | 06:33 PM
#31
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
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?
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?
IMO, the best replacement for maintaining the same handling, etc........KYB and they are at RockAuto also, I believe. OEM replacement is about the same cost, give or take a few $.
09-14-2011 | 06:59 PM
#32
New Member
Joined: 08-31-2008
Posts: 26
From: New Jersey
Yeah I think I would lean toward the KYBs ($72 ea at rockauto)...will have a local shop put them in...do i just get the main strut or do I need to buy additional install related hardware to go with it? I want to make sure the shop has everything they need. Anyone?
Last edited by hrry; 09-15-2011 at 01:15 AM.
09-14-2011 | 07:18 PM
#33
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
For example, I just replaced my FE3 suspension with the FE5 suspension. But I thoroughly checked my vehicle before I started the install. Didn't need ANYTHING extra. The SS struts even came with new locking top nuts.
But GENERALLY, no you need nothing extra (oh, MAYBE the strut boots if they are in bad shape).
Oh, I'm told that sometimes the replacement of the struts will require an alignment (with camber bolts installed).....again depending on the condition of the car.
09-15-2011 | 06:03 PM
#34
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 25,339
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Get the new mounts! They cost almost as much as the struts,but worth it!
09-15-2011 | 06:57 PM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: 08-06-2008
Posts: 1,761
From: Grand Haven, MI
My thoughts exactly.
I pulled the wheels off the wife's HHR today and found fairly brand new links. Surprised the daylights out of me. Got to checking the sway bar bushings and, holy crap! There's where my noise was coming from. Bushings were old and cracked - must be the originals. Looks like I'll get them replaced.
I pulled the wheels off the wife's HHR today and found fairly brand new links. Surprised the daylights out of me. Got to checking the sway bar bushings and, holy crap! There's where my noise was coming from. Bushings were old and cracked - must be the originals. Looks like I'll get them replaced.
09-16-2011 | 07:41 AM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: 08-03-2011
Posts: 683
From: Western MD
Not sure if I'll tackle this myself or take it to my mechanic. I don't have a floor jack that can take the HHR up high enough for me to crawl under. I believe it's going to have to be suspended (not on ramps) in order to drop the lower end of the links to slide the bushings on/off.
If I ultimately do this, I'll take some pictures. But if someone does it beforehand, by all means, post some.
09-16-2011 | 01:03 PM
#39
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,039
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Description of process to replace the bushing: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ar+bushings%22
I found some pictures, but they on another HHR forum (hint hint) - but thought it rude to post the link here :)
I found some pictures, but they on another HHR forum (hint hint) - but thought it rude to post the link here :)
09-16-2011 | 02:04 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: 08-03-2011
Posts: 683
From: Western MD
Description of process to replace the bushing: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...ar+bushings%22
I found some pictures, but they on another HHR forum (hint hint) - but thought it rude to post the link here :)
I found some pictures, but they on another HHR forum (hint hint) - but thought it rude to post the link here :)
I read the link you have cited. Still looking for those pictures, though. I do better with pictures.
