2nd shop told me must replace entire control arm

a friend of mine, works on Cobalts, say can replace bushings in 30 minutes

Advanced Auto sells bushings, front, rear, $18 each

what do you think?

 

Here read these

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ol-arms-44378/

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...bushing-60188/

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...rol-arm-60599/

 

Labor!

It is very easy to beat the flat rate for a complete arm. Not so much replacing bits.

Most people are convinced that you must use a hydraulic press (I used to be) and not many shops have them anymore. Not many shops have the Kent-Moore equivalent tool either.

Mechanics think in terms of beating the flat rate!

for both complete control arms 1.8 hours
for both bushings 2.2 hours

I replaced both sides on mine in my garage on the floor in less than 45 minutes. And I actually respected torque, a shop mechanic will save 10 minutes with the impact gun.

So would you rather get paid for 1.8 hours and do 30 minutes work or get paid for 2.2 hours and do 70 minutes work? If you spent the money on the right tool it would only take 45 minutes, but you still have to R&R.

I had the buffoons at Firestone tell me the same thing, "and unfortunately, the DEALER doesn't have one in stock".

 

If he can then do it.
The guy must be like:

 

I have a 2009 HHR with 81,000 miles and had the front end clunk. I bought the pair of lower control arms complete from Detroit Axle for $58.25 including shipping. I found a shop that installed them both and did an alignment for $150.00. Rides and drives like new.

 

 

Here's a question I've asked myself. Why are the Cobalt and HHR built on the same platform but only the Cobalt SS have the Aluminium lower control arms? If the Aluminium are stronger than the steel ones. Do the steel ones rot out?
I did find this and this place only sells/offers Aluminium lower arms for FE1/3 suspensions:
https://www.1aauto.com/control-arm-with-ball-joint-pair/i/1asfk00568?f=584426&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzK_bBRDDARIsAFQF 7zOohP7B5tKTDcVatkxjSaVyeDxYvZx0n3YvxJTZvKo7FGKjyl 7HWBAaAsdZEALw_wcB

Edit: I do see what Blue posted for a part that only fits/used for FE1 suspensions. FE1 has the softest springs that I know of. But what constitutes "fine for unloaded driving"? Don't people on this forum have an LS and use it for more then going to the store?

 

 

In after-market terms there is no difference I can find between FE1/FE3. I don't know what could possibly be different in LCAs, the rear bushings are identical.