I really need help on this one. I have a 2008 HHR SS. Seems the front control arm bushings need replacement. I ordered and received them from an online parts dealer. Installer won't install because he says control arms are aluminum and the metal band on the bushings therefore must be aluminum. Ones I ordered appear to be steel.

Everywhere I look online or locally will provide me with the steel bushings even after I specify HHR SS. Same part # for all HHRs. The local GM dealer showed me their part for my SS over the counter and it appears to be aluminum, and VERY overpriced ($105 Can. for one bushing!).

Does my HHR have FE3 or FE5 suspension? Are the control arms and/or bushings the same for either? Are they aluminum? What about FE5?

Thanks for any help on this one.

 

Your SS, if still stock, will have the FE5 suspension. It is listed right on the RPO sticker in your glove compartment.

Something like this.

 

Have to get the SS bushings, ah the price we pay to play. I have aluminum LCA's on my 1LT had to get the correct bushings

 

I hear you. SS requires different parts. Thanks. A follow-up question, though, I know the FE3 suspension is different in some ways from the SS's FE5, are the control arms different? I can get the FE3 control arms for a good price.

 

Fe3 arms are about $110 for aftermarket ones from various sources in the USA - here in Canada you will find we get zcrewed pretty bad. I bought mine in the US.

And yes, there is a difference - the lower ball joint has a different spindle mount and will not fit. One MIGHT be able to swap ball-joints to the FE5 version, but I am not sure of that.