Took car to get alignment done (purchased lifetime alignment back in august). So I had them check the front end for the rattle/clunking sound i have. Well have a bad bushing (they seam to not want to replace just the bushing) and suggested a new control arm. They want 348.99 for the control arm, so with labor, tax and shop supplies it came to 508.65. That was a big hell NO and will either replace just the bushing or control arm. Also, does the rear camber and /or toe may be adjusted using full contact shims (gave me a print out saying this). Is that true. Now do i just replace the bushing or do the control arm to be safe.

 

"Now do i just replace the bushing or do the control arm to be safe?" - either will do the job. The control arm with bushings and ball joint pre-installed is a whole lot cheaper at various parts supply places such as AutoZone/O'rilleys etc. - probably in the neighbourhood of $130.

The rear bushing itself can be acquired thru the same places for probably less than $20. Moog also makes a super replacement for that rear bushing - not sure of the price, but it has been covered here before as well as the procedure to replace the LCA.

 

A How-To article on replacing the LCA's - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/

and OldBlue has some info on those "Problem Solver" bushings from Moog (see third post) - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...tenance-54454/

 

The rear may be adjusted, usually does not need it. The ONLY adjustment that can be made to the front is toe, you wasted your money on the lifetime alignment. The only reason you would need to change toe is if something is worn out.

You should change both control arms at the same time. Be sure they are cast aluminum not welded steel.

After that job is done you will need an alignment because previous alignments have been done with bad parts (they don't just up and fail).

You can save money on parts by just having them replace the ball joints and bushings, but the labor will eat up the savings.

 

Order up two of these Moog K200792 bushings

Front Control Arm Bushings - Chevrolet Cobalt

These are dropping in price

Moog Front Control Arm Bushings K200792 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

 

They where going to put a MOOG control arm on ( part number CK620301). Why should they be aluminum and not welded steel? Thanks for the info.

 

The welded steel belongs on Cobalts/Ion.

 

New Front Lower Passenger Side Control Arm w Ball Joint for Cobalt G5 ion FE1 | eBay
this is not the MOOG
This is
Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly Front Right Lower Moog CK620301 | eBay

They are both wrong for HHR, no matter what the parts guy says. Tell them to look at the arms on the car. They will try to tell you it's listed as OEM; then why is made of a different material than what came from the factory?

New Control Arm Front Driver Left Side Lower Chevy with Ball Joint s Bushing S | eBay

 

I just ordered both lower control arms and Monroe quick struts from rockauto for less than $400 shipped. Firestone is trying to get deep into your pocket.

 

Moog control arm doesn't come with the K200792 bearing installed, they come with OEM style rubber bushing, still ok for normal street driving!