I am now really confused! I just started shopping for a new control arm and am finding 2 different types 1 is cast and the other is steel. Most times the steel ones are spec'd for FE1 and the cast are FE3, no references to FE5 at all! If I remember correctly my HHR is an FE1, but the existing arms are cast. It is raining and cold at the moment so I don't feel like going outside to check.

Anyone seen steel control arms?


And, I now move that all "front end clunk" discussions get moved to "control arm bushing" as well as "end link". The rearward vertical bushing is very difficult to see and already seems to be damaged when new from the factory because of the design. I bet 90% of the persistent clunks go to the control arm bushings.

 

I think its the FE1 cobalts that have the steel control arms.
My 2008 hhr is the base LS FE1, and it has the aluminum control arms.

 

Ran downstairs to the garage to have a look, '06 LS/'07 LS/'11 2LT all cast pieces, so I'd think the pressed steel parts are for the Cobalts.

 

Thanks. From what I can tell the difference between FE1 and FE3 is the bushing the stock (FE1) is not a solid chunk of rubber, whereas the replacement (FE3) is, presumably for a stiffer suspension.

 

Yeah, I got a new bushing at NAPA for $13 then took the arm out, and then discovered that the local tool loaner place doesm't have the right tool! So, I put the old (208,300 miles) arm back in and ordered from Rockauto $68.99 + $10 shipping. At least I know what I'll be doing Saturday. I can take my time finding the tool to replace the left side at my leisure. And then I will have a full upgrade to FE3 hehehe.


BTW, the tire store guy diagnosed "lot's of play in steering while braking; control arm bushing is torn". I have been thinking warped rotor! Maybe we should start pointing "warped rotor" problems to the control arm bushings, they are difficult to see and the FE1 ones look to be fragile.