I have to replace the lower control arms (2008 LT, FE3 with aluminium control arm) and am looking for some advice regarding which control arm brand to use. The ones I have found so far:

ACDELCO Aluminium
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=464&jsn=464

MOOG Aluminium
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=458&jsn=458

MOOG Steel
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...sn=466&jsn=466

Price left aside, what would be the "best" solution?

As none of these three parts seem to include the "famous" MOOG K201285 bushing, would it be worth the effort to replace the standard rubber bushing with the MOOG bushing in a new control arm? Would a difference in handling be felt?

 

First off - forget the Moog steel ones - they are not for the HHR - they are for Cobalts.

No, you won't notice any difference in the handling with the K201285 - you will get more life out of the bushing if you change over to it.

It's your choice - take into account the cost and the work to change them over, vrs how many more years you are going to keep the car which is already 10 years old.

And rockAuto has a discount program running for forum members as per - https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/supp...93/#post841972

 

The Moog bushing does tighten up the front end , a bit, they do last longer.
I found it more economical to replace the rear bushings and the ball joints in the OEM LCAs that came with the car.

 

Thanks for your replies. As I cannot replace the bushings myself and labour costs are quite high here, replacing the whole LCA may indeed be cheaper for me...

Would you rather recommend buying the ACDELCO aluminium LCA or the MOOG aluminium LCA (not considering the price)?

 

I would get the cheapest.

Do you have big box parts stores? They usually have tools to do the job for loan.

 

• $28.62 each
  BUSHING, Steering Knuckle Lower Control Arm
  15232501
• 
  
  GMPartsGiant.com

 

I would honestly buy the MOOG Aluminum. Just make sure you replace both sides at the same time.