While underneath the front end on the passenger side I notice a large vertical bolt that was loose and can be turned by hand. I have not tried to tighten it. I can feel there is something holding it in place since it hasn't fallen out. Anyone one know what this bolt does?

Thanks

 

This bolt?

Here’s a closer shot, it has a 21 mm head, a 7/8 will work. If that’s the bolt proper torque is 74 ft lbs then turn it another 180 degrees.

 

The bolt on the passenger side is hidden by the plastic shield. I think it has to do with the subframe since there is another bolt on the driver side. I've been driving the HHR without any issues but now it will go in the shop for a closer look. It may involve removing the front cover to inspect/fix it.

Thanks.

 

Can you post a photo of this mystery bolt?

 

Oldblue, I think he is talking about the front subframe bolt which is indeed hidden by the plastic shield.

If it's the subframe bolt, it needs to be tightened to around 70 lb-ft and then another 180 degrees (if I remember correctly).

If it's really so loose that it moves by hand, you need to tighten it ASAP.

Steve

 

#3 in the first diagram is #27 in the second. Engine cradle bolts, there are 4 in all. The bolt that Oldblue posted is #27, and doubles as the bolt for the lower control arm.

 

This guy writes that he can easily rotate the bolt with his bare hand.
Either the guy is very strong, or the bolt has almost fallen out.
I dealt with this bolt - it lends itself to manual rotation only at the very end, and it's difficult anyway.
Most likely, the mechanic forgot to tighten the bolts correctly after replacing the suspension arms or steering rack. Perhaps even worse, the thread of the mating hole is damaged.

 

What if the mating hole/threads are damaged? What can be done to fix it?
Is the vehicle safe to drive?

Thanks.

 

There is a captive nut up in there, that can break free. This happens on the rear, the bolt gets stuck to the control arm rear bushing, so it can't come out. Continued turning of the bolt breaks the nut free from it's captivity, and then the bolt/nut/bushing assembly spins.

Yours seems to be the front? I don't know what would cause the nut to break free. The torque required is high, as Oldblue said. Perhaps the bolt and nut rusted together, and someone tried to remove it.

I cannot say that it would be safe to drive. But you need to positively identify it before this can be diagnosed.

 

The bolt is in the front, passenger side.
I did take a 2 hour drive yesterday without issues but I will have my mechanic inspect it.

Thanks.