Sway bar question...
 

I need new sway bar bushings....are all hhr sway bars the same thickness? Threads I found only mention a bar 1 in,25mm thick. I have an 09 ls panel 2.2, can any hhr guru's enlighten me? thanks Al

Yes - some of the FE1 suspensions (I think it was just some of the early ones, but I may be wrong) had a 23MM bar, the same as the Fe5's on the SS models.

I found that out after installing a set of 25mm ones and they rattled and clunked like mad. 2mm doesn't sound like that much but it was pretty nasty.

You can find the suspension specs (Fe1/3/5) on the build sheet label inside the glove box - it is probably best to use a set of calipers to measure the thickness of the bar instead of trying to eye-ball it with a ruler or tape measure. Of course I did not find my calipers until AFTER I bought the 25mm ones and had installed them. :(

Courtesy of the Search tool, here is another thread on the subject: https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...gs-size-49486/

Thanks Whopper...now all I have to do is find my calipers.

Large cresent wrench and a ruler= poor mans caliper. :nuts:

LOL - true dat - but the crescent wrench I used at first was kinda worn out and was way sloppy. Wanna buy a used no-name crescent wrench from my treasured tool collection? ;)

Worn out crescent wrench? Use plan B. Open end wrench.
I think it's 23mm=1inch...25mm=1 1/16inch, or there abouts.

I'll pass on the "used" crescent wrench. :lol:

Actually 1 inch equals 25.4 mm an.9055118 inch equals 23 mm or approximately 15/16 ths and I found this in the part numbers thread

Sway Bar Bushings - suggested by Snoopy with addons from 843de
- FE1:
>>> 2006 & 2007 production until VIN#3GNDA23P26S546471. Use GM PN 15822993 (which equates to a 23mm bar - energy suspension pn: 9.5159 (greaseable) - 9.5115 (non-greaseable))
>>> for FE-1 suspension after VIN#3GNDA23P26S546472. Use GM PN 20902784
(Note: my early early 2006 FE1 sway bar crudely measures out at 23MM so double check yours as the 1" bushings do not fit mine)
- FE3: Energy suspension poly for 1inch/25mm bar - greaseable - 9.5161 (9.5110 non-greaseable)
- FE5: Energy suspension poly for 23mm bar - greaseable - 9.5159 (9.5115 non greaseable)
------- GM - 20902785

Glove box says fe5....bar measures 1 inch. Panels any different?

FE5 was only on the SS's. Better double check that RPO tag in the glovebox.

A Panel SS maybe?

parts yard glove box door?? for the FE 5 designation , but you measured the bar so it is a one inch sway bar so you will need a 1 inch bushing kit or 25 MM in Canada order one of the greaseable Energy Suspension kits listed above

I bought it with only 21,000 km on it,glove box does say fe5....but bar is 1 inch....strange,but thanks for the help. Will get the energy kit.

Hmm. If it's a LS as stated in your 1st post, it should have the FE1 code. Any way you can post up a picture of the glove box sticker? Maybe the car too?
Not claiming "foul" here, but if it has FE5 on the sticker as you say, it sounds like the glovebox door has been swapped out.
Easy way to tell is, the sticker has the VIN on it. See if it matches up to your cars actual VIN number.

Really would like to help straighten out this little mystery for you. I would hate to see you have issues later on. Either trying to find the correct parts or maybe even trying to sell the car later on, it could come back to haunt you if the VIN numbers don't match.

Any chance this is a salvage car?

Ok...remove foot from mouth!....checked the tag again....with a pair of readers on...57..old guy. FE1!!! Sorry firemangeorge,don't know what I was looking at. 1 inch bar...and vin matches. Knew this car was too clean to be a wreck. Thanks for your help!!

I'd do a double check on the measurement - I could have sworn mine was 1"/25mm even after trying some open end wrenches (not quite fit) and a beat up old crescent wrench. Turned out to be the 23mm bar - and man does 2mm make a big difference - no more clunking.

No problem Allen S. But, I will admit I was starting to doubt my own knowledge of these little cars.:lol:

I was actually thinking you North of the border folks had somehow gotten some non SS "special" edition panels.

Glad we were able to clear it up.

;) 54 year old here. Pair of readers with me. Extra pair in the bathroom. One more pair in my workshop.

Ha ha...ya I have pairs all over the place too,Is a 1 inch for sure..used a good set of calipers...now just have to change them. Thanks all.

Good stuff. Let is know if you can, how it works out for you.