Problem with my 2006 hhr 2LT. I had a broken lower control arm bushing so I went about changing both left and right. Now that I test drove the car I feel when i hit a bump the steering wheel pulls to what ever side i hit (twitchy) and i see that the front wheels have some camber the top of the wheel is poiting toward the engine is this dew to the changing of the lower control arms has anybody have this problem before any info would be appreciated

 

were the original arms cast aluminum..?? were the replacements the same)cast as opposed to stamped steel)..?? from what you described(excessive camber)...sounds like the replacement arms position the ball joint further outboard.......right parts..??

 

Somebody else reported the same thing a few weeks back with new LCAs. He ended up getting a camber kit installed. Never did find out the "why".

But, you said "bushing" not complete arms? Different thing in that case. Probably got an alignment when the bushings were bad. The camber does change slightly with changes to the toe.

Camber kits are pretty cheap, some are like $10, some over $40 I have no experience with them so don't know if there is a real difference other than price. + an alignment.

For my information what was the part number of the new LCAs? If that's what you meant.

 

You made me go out and jack the HHR up again. I have a pair of new LCAs in the garage.

Measuring from the outside front edge to where the front side of the front bushing attaches to the frame I get 12 inches, (frame to end of aluminum casting) same measurement on the new LCAs.

Measurement from the same point on the casting to the center of the rear bushing bolt is about 19.6 inches on both.

Measurement from front attachment point on frame to center of ball joint is 13 inches on both.

 

Well i changed the control arm not just the bushing

 

Well, what part numbers and measurements?

All of my numbers are for a 2011 LT, I believe they should be the same for all LT and LS models. I think that the SS has a different balljoint that would not fit into a LS or LT knuckle.

 

This is what I bought http://bit.ly/15WPezx

 

Those are the same ones I have sitting in the garage. I wonder if there really is a difference between FE1 & FE3 LCAs. As far as I remember these are the same as I had on the 2008LT also. You need to compare measurements old & new.

Keep us posted, this is odd.

 

it seems that they are the same. I'm going to get and alignment done and get the camber adjusted to see if that fixes the problem

 

The HHR has no adjustment for the camber. To adjust the camber,you will need to change to the offset camber bolts. 2 needed. 1 for each side. About $35-40 for the bolts, unless you can find a better deal on them. Your alignment shop may have the bolts in stock, but ask ahead of time, or purchase your own before taking the car to them.