I have 12 inch links on my HHR , no contact with the sway bar

 

And?

 

No contact with the LCA’s or the subframe

 

I had 12 inch links and the sway bar left big dents on the LCAs. Changed to 10 inch no more dents.

 

Here’s the post from my switch to 12 inch links


Today, I changed those swaybar end links.I installed Delphi TC5530 featuring
Enlarged ball pin for greater load carrying capacity
Cataphoretic coating for superior rust protection
Sealed, high grade rubber boot

Ah, peace and quiet!


New link top fastener , lots of room

Old Moog link 9.8 inch , see how the lower fasteners is above the LCA

New 11.8 inch link clears the LCA , this is with the HHR jacked up on safety stands suspension relaxed

Lots of clearance at the swaybar end with new link installed

Same here compressed suspension, note the swaybar end is above the LCA

Here the tires are on and the HHR is down off the jack and compressing the suspension

Clearance at the swaybar at the rear

And here between the swaybar and LCA , the black area lower left of the photo
__________________

 

 

My observation of the changing geometry when the steering wheel is turned is that the 12 inch links have more leverage in the lateral plane than the 10 inch. I blame them for pushing the stops, which permits the bar to move laterally and make contact with the LCAs.

I could be completely wrong, but I suggest frequent checks if you have 12 inch links.

 

Agreed, I inspect every 6 months at oil changes , seasonal tire change.

 

Basically what I am saying is that the link hits the LCA. Nothing to do with the height of the sway bar end. When the wheels turn left or right the top end of the link follows and the bottom end is supposed to rotate in the joint. The 12 inch link changes the geometry so that instead of rotating it pushes/pulls laterally on the sway bar with more force than the 10 inch links. After the stops get displaced the bar can move allowing the end link to make contact with the LCA.

That is my theory, anyway. Maybe something else causes the stops to move, I can't think of anything else.

 

A sound diagnosis, Donbrew, I’ll keep my eye on the links.