I bought new control arms through Amazon and proceeded to remove the old ones on my 2006 HHR. When attempting to remove the long bolt, it turns, but does not come out. Something up inside seems like it broke loose, but I cannot get it out. Any suggestions? This happened on both sides.

 

Welcome, the cage nut has let go, you need to wedge a tool into that area to stop the nut from turning.
It’s tight but it can be done , I’ve been successful using vise grips clamped on that ledge

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/intr...-62087/page12/

 

I will try that. So it must be accessible from the center of the car?

 

Yes or driver’s side reach in by the sway bar.

 

Those bolts are 2 of the 4 that hold the engine/trans cradle in the car.

 

I forgot to mention penetrating oil, soak the cage nuts with it , not WD 40 but PB Blaster or Kroil.

 

Now that that cage nuts have broken loose, how will the bolts go back in?

 

You either reuse the cage nuts or make a new one

Like this one but the OEM bolts are 14mm 2.0 thread so make the threaded hole that size

 

Thank you for the advice. I ordered new cage nuts. Hopefully I can get the old ones off.