My 2007 HHR has wear in it's control arm bushing and rather than pay for a arm(I replaced the control arm both drivers and passenger 4 yrs ago) what about just replacing the bushings ? Can you use a "rental press" from Auto Zone or O'reily?

 

Yes, or a hammer and socket.

 

Auto zone "rental press" didn't work for me. Ended up going to local shop and paying $100 to press them in.

 

You need to get 2 kits. it is a threaded rod and fittings. IIRC, a ball joint kit and a control arm kit.

The Official tool is J-41211

 

I used a press but had to make something to push on the bushing that fit the hole and pushed on the outer ring

 

 

This video shows how to check rear bushing

This video is of a Honda but it's the same procedure for the HHR for the rear bushing as far as removing and installing.

 

 

I got new arms. I figured after the amount of time to press out/in bushings, and then grind off rivet heads to get the ball joint off; my time was worth the extra cost.