mikesartfx

I had control arms installed about 5 years ago (they were cheap). My steering became loose and just tapping on the brakes jerked the wheel to the left a little. Inspection showed my control arm bushings were shot. I had better arms installed along with sway bar bushings. I now have a popping and what sounds like stress knocking when I apply and release brakes and after a stop. Any ideas? Thanks

aradmahogany

Were they the aluminum or stamped steel ones? The rear bushing takes some finesse to get into place, and finesse takes time I dont think a shop would give. They could have damaged or ripped the boot when trying to install, or they could have even damaged the bolt or nut. Bring it back and tell them whats going on. Who knows what they did.

mikesartfx

They are the aluminum arms. Also had sway bar bushings installed.

aradmahogany

Id stil go right back to the shop and express your concern. There are five bolts that need to be removed and reinstalled when doing the CA. Im guessing there was some installation error if this is happening right after install. The bushings would really only be audible over bumps and whatnot, sounds like you can replicate the noise by just braking at a stop

donbrew

I don't know what year or model your HHR is.

Sway bar bushings may be the wrong size. The 1 inch are not exactly 23 mm and some years and models are different; they need to be measured.

If it a SS the ball joints are wrong.

If you actually mean sway bar end links, they put 12 inch links on, they bang on the LCA.

mikesartfx

Sorry, It is a 2008 LT.

Oldblue

I’m pretty sure the rear LCA bolts aren’t torqued correctly, 74 ft lbs then 180 degrees tighter.
Most shop guys run the bolt in with an impact wrench , and might hit 90 ft lbs, but not the full torque.

mikesartfx

I am taking back to him tonight to check it over. Steering seems really tight too. Also, should I have the alignment checked? I had alignment done after new tires, brake pads, rotors and calipers were replaced.
Thanks everyone

Oldblue

Yes the alignment was done in loose parts , so it needs the toe in set and who knows what else they “adjusted”.
You see the toe is the only adjustment on the HHR.
I’ve seen smaller bolts used on the upper strut bolt, to allow camber adjustments

mikesartfx

Hey. I took my car back to the mechanic last evening. He tightened the rear CA bolts and the noise is almost gone. He said they where tightened to 120-130 foot pounds. He thinks the arms could be bad. Much better but not right yet.