As Don said.............

 

I have a new spare GM control arm for the SS, so I measured the ball joint shaft.

The shaft is 20.52mm (0.808") in diameter.

The necked-down area has a diameter of 15.21mm (0.599").

So the necked-down diameter is the same for both non-SS and SS ball joints.

The shaft diameter is (20.52mm - 19.96mm = 0.56mm) 0.56mm larger in diameter.

The non-SS ball joint was measured at work with a high-precision Mitutoyo caliper, while the SS ball joint was measured at home with a set of HF calipers.

This verifies the dimensions that a previous poster is using (within the tolerance of the measurement calipers).

I also looked at the SS ball joint closely. It's made by CTR, a Korean manufacturer of suspension parts. There is a number stamped on the bottom of the ball joint, "0228".

I found the Korean-based web site for CTR. Fortunately, it's in English. They do mention that they are the OEM for GM.

Interestingly, the CTR web site has a vehicle selector and shows that their ball joint (CB0069) for the HHR fits all models. This is the ball joint that really only fits LS and LT. So even their web site is unaware that the SS has a different ball joint.

Next, I searched their part numbers using the "0228" that I found on the bottom of the SS ball joint. I found a CB0228 that is made for a 2015-2019 Kia Sedona. Unfortunately, the picture does not look at all like the one for the HHR SS. The part that bolts to the control arm has a much different shape and the ball joint shaft has a long taper.

Oh well, another dead end.

Steve

 

Interesting info you found fastsuv.
Maybe, CTR has reused that part number for the newer Sedona. Or that 0228 number is just a component number.

 

The hunt continues! For the elusive SS ball joints.

 

I contacted Moog about the SS ball joints.

They responded that they indeed do not carry that model now.

The person responding also stated:

I am sorry we did not have what you were looking for, it appears of the brands we carry that part is not one that is offered yet. However, I will pass this information along and now that we have your contact information we will notify you in the event this part does become available.

Thank you for your suggestion and please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

P.S. We send this information to the factory to help motivate them to develop these products. That being said, if you have friends or family that also need this part made or another one that is not listed, please have them fill out the same form. With enough input from our customers the factory can make a better decision on what products to create next.

It sounds like they might make it if they get enough requests. So if anyone is interested in sending a request, here is the link:

Moog Link

Its a long shot, but better than nothing.

I also sent an inquiry to CTR in Korea, we'll see what they say.

Steve

 

Let’s fill out that Moog information link all you SS folks, even those maybe thinking of getting an SS

I just sent my message
Awesome job Steve, let’s get the ball rolling!

 

I got a response from CTR in Korea. They mention the correct control arms (GM number) for the SS which I didn't give them so they did some research. Their answer is interesting:

Hello Steve,

I looks like 25930724/25930725 are control arm OE NO for HHR SS model.

We are not quite sure yet which CTR ball joint is installed for 25930724/25930725.

We will buy OE samples and check but it will take 2~3 month to check.

*Do you run a repair shop or auto parts shop? I just want to know how do you know about CTR brand and where you buy it usually.


Well, it looks like there isn't a quick answer from them but maybe a long-term answer.

Steve

 

With all your HHR’s Steve tell them you’re a fleet manager.

 

Filled out the Moog form also.

 

I just finished the Moog form, asking for help finding replacement ball joints. Supplied control arm part numbers and vehicle year, make, model, trim level.