And ensure you get 25 mm bushings, not 1 inch bushings!




The 25 mm Moog bushing, note how the bracket is smaller then the black OEM



Quite a difference in size



Nope you can’t put the Moog bushings in the OEM brackets



Definitely the bolt holes don’t line up!

 

I got these: ACDELCO 45G10047 Professional

The car is 2011 Chevy HHR LT 2.2L. According to Rock Auto that is what I would need ( 2011 CHEVROLET HHR 2.2L L4 Stabilizer Bar Bushing | RockAuto )

I still don't know the type of suspension that I have. How would I find out?

 

Check the sticker on the inside of the passenger side glove box for FE1 or FE3

 

I checked, the 2011 FE1 or FE3 was a 25 mm bushing.

 

Up to this point, I replaced everything I possibly could and I am still getting this noise.

Sway bar bushing - replaced
CV axles - replaced both very recently
Shocks - replaced very recently
Rotors were replaced to high carbon ones
Axles are torqued to 155 ft/lbs

I thought that the problem may be caused by a sticking caliper, so I serviced the caliper and replaced rubber sleeves that go on the pin ends. Everything is serviced there.

There are no signs of misalignment.
Wheel hub and swaybar links seem to be in good condition. I did the test where you try to wobble the wheel from side to side. Everything is stable.

I am still getting that rattling noise at 60-80 mph on the driver's side. Puzzling.

 

Hub, bumper cover, piece of plastic hanging, air box bracket, LCAs, ball joints
Check hubs with hands at 12 & 6. Check LCA by rolling front wheels while in park; if the wheels move and the car does not they are bad.

 

Have you inspected the upper engine mount, it is simple, look thru the oblong hole in the passenger side front wheel well , if the bolt is lower then the hole the motor mount is toast!

 

That is what that hole is for! Thanks for sharing this. I was wondering how to check it without taking it off and looking at it.

 

LCA bushings were replaced not too long ago with quality parts. Just checked the hub on that side and tie rod ends. All is good. I never thought about checking bumper cover or air box bracket. Hopefully I will solve this mystery one day.

What I have noticed is that brake pads are wearing out faster on that side of the car than on the other side. They are wearing out evenly, but faster. It is as if more pressure is being applied to the brakes on that side of the car. The caliper is in good condition. It is not stuck. The pins have been recently serviced and new rubber parts installed. I wounder if that rattling noise has something to do with this.

I guess the only way to find out is to replace brake hose and the caliper on that side with a new one.

 

Always replace calipers and hoses as a pair
and the bolt is a little low, any thumping in that area?