Can anyone confirm the 2006 Spring Edition has the FE1 suspension?

I need to order new lower control arms and want to be sure I get the right one's. There appears to be a drastic price difference between the two, and in this case I'm actually hoping it's FE1.

 

Control arms should be the same for the FE1 and FE3. The FE5 arms are different because of they have a different size ball joint.

Some websites parts specs can be a little screwy or inaccurate. Some of those that list only FE1 and FE3 apparently are listing a hodge podge of HHR and Cobalt control arms.
There were cast iron and aluminum used, but they are mostly inter changeable I believe.

Fwiw. Your suspension package (FE number) will be on your RPO code sticker in your glove box.

 

The stamped steel arms will fit. Most, if not all HHR came with the alloy arms. I personally would stay with alloy.

 

Thanks, FE1 is one of the codes that's on the inside of the glovebox, so I guess this is what I have.

Do I have alloy now? What's the benefit?

 

You should have alloy, lower unsprung weight

 

Uh, look at them. painted black with welds = stamped steel; cast aluminum one piece = alloy.

 

OK, so I took mine out today (was worried the rear bolt/bushing would give me issues) and they are aluminum. But when I go to the prime choice website, it doesn't list the aluminum one's as being compatible with the FE1 suspension, only the FE3.

FE1

FE3

Thoughts? I'm in Germany, so I MUST get the right one's as the car is now on jack stands, and waiting for parts to arrive only to find out they are wrong will suck.

 

Was the car purchased in Germany or the USA ?

I think I would contact a Chevrolet Dealer Parts Dept.
Maybe even ask for the Parts manager.
Then give him your Vin Number and that should identify what part you need.
Mention what you have found so far.

You can go online to Google and find a GM Chevrolet Parts Seller. Many of them are Dealers.
Either call them or many have an online direct parts Chat site where you could ask the questions using your Vin Number.

SF

 

FE1 = FE3 still just as described earlier in this thread. And the parts book is wrong.

There are a lot of HHR with replacement stamped steel arms. They have identical measurements. I would make an order and ask to be sure I got the aluminum ones, but the others will FIT.

 

I'm with Don , order the FE1 and you'll most likely get the alloy LCA's.
I did four times now!