Hi All,
I have been out of the forum for a long time, and now I really need your help deciding on new Control arms, last time I changed the round bushing from original Control arms, I bought ACdelco replacement in rockauto, but those lasted a few months, so I changed complete control arms, I decided for a cheaper option from Rockauto, but after installing, the HHR steering wheel was to soft not like the original that was firm, so I think I installed bad FE suspension mine is 2.4 LT 2008, now those control arms lasted less than a year and caused irregular worn on my tires due bad ball joints, so I need to buy 2 new tires because of this, so I need to know which control arms do you recommend to change, that are close to the original AC delco but not too expensive as the ACdelco. Another thing I need it online since I am in Mexico, and will be sending it to McAllen TX then to here in Monterrey, so only online option are the option. and Yes control arms are cheaper to bring it from US than buying here, even the originals.
I was reading that Moog are a good replacement but option in Rockauto do not say if those are FE3 the one that I need.

well I appreciate your help on this, I am tired on replacing things on suspension and tired of the steering column noise.
Regards

 

FE1 = FE3. FE5 is different.

However, lately folks have been reporting a lot of bad parts, me included I had a balljoint go in less than a year.

Make sure to get the aluminum arms, not the welded steel.

EBay is the best bet, I usually deal with Prime Choice.

 

Hi Donbrew,
I have seen the primechoise option at ebay, but not sure if it says FE3, FE3 I think the ball join is firmer than FE1, so FE3 is the correct, It happened to me, those I am replacing the steering wheel was too soft, so I am looking for FE3 option, will check if vendor can send me more specifications.

 

FE3 = FE1
FE5 has a different balljoint.
You may have got a bad one out of the box, or something else is amiss; like strut bearings.

 

I have seen the primechoise option at ebay, there is a discount for Mx of 15%, total 122 dlls, those are steel made, but I have seen in other posts that steel made are not a good option, they mention that those are for cobalt and that the correct option is alluminium made

 

If it's just a matter of replacing the rear LCA bushings, the the Moog K200792 problem solvers are the ticket, drive out the old mushy rubber bushings and press in these babies! Very cool that when Googled the bushings this page showed up!!

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/mog-k200792

The are a great deal for the pair

Chevy HHR Ball Joint Replacement | Chevy HHR Ball Joints | Chevy HHR Aftermarket Ball Joints At 1A Auto

 

Didn't I say that? Post #2.

 

Hi donbrew, I saw your post, but I have to say that fe1 fits like fe3 but is not the same, fe3 is firmer than fe1, and regarding your post you said that you deal with prime choise but also you say that go for aluminium option, and well I have seen only prime chooise steel option, where can I find prime chooise aluminium option?

 

This is the second listing for "hhr lower control arm" on eBay.com
Pair 2 Front Lower Control Arms Ball Joints for Chevy Cobalt HHR Pontiac G5 | eBay


The picture is of aluminum anyway; the description is different, but is a "stock" description & pic maybe.

I have never noticed a difference between FE1 & FE3 control arms on either HHR I've had; I have installed both.

 

FE1 softer spring rate than FE3, and the struts and shocks are firmer, the LCA bushings and ball joints are the same.
FE5 the ball joints have a larger stud diameter as some SS owners have determined