2009 HHR SS Automatic with the turbo upgrade.
75,000 miles..
I replaced the lower control arms with the gm fe5 parts.
They were used up.

The alignment people told me I needed new inner and outer tie rod ends.
I went to the rock auto site and see a multitude of available parts.
Outers run from $5 to $40.
Inners run from $6 to $32,
Do I need to us genuine GM parts for these?
Is AC/Delco the same as GM?
I don't mind paying for quality.

Do these parts need an FE5 rating.
What parts do you recommend?

Should I look at replacing anything else while I am under there?

 

AC Delco is fine, and yes they should be FE5, there might be a difference in threads or the tie rod nub and the taper of it.
Just like the LCA’s and specific ball joints.

You might want to consider a new steering rack if the tie rods are that beat up! The AC Delco 25956914 includes the inner and outer tie rods plus you get that tight new steering feel

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...nd+pinion,7388

but it’s up to you.

 

Thank you.
I ordered the rack and pinion unit from Rockauto.
Does anyone know what the installation hour on that install would be?

 

When I swapped out the rack in Oldblue, an LS but the same number of fasteners, I took me 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stopping every 1/2 for a 5 minute break.
You can do this at home with a few tools the rack will come out the drivers side, I have a how to here somewhere

ah, here it is

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...ng-rack-58948/

 

Thanks again.