I have a 2007 HHR LS that has 130,000 on it and still is a great running car. I took it in for an oil change last week and asked if they could check the front suspension for me. I have clunking noises when I pull into the driveway, or go over bumps etc. He checked it and said that the lower right control arm bushings are loose, leaking some oil from the left front strut, and the sway bar links have some play. and the left inner tie rod is sloppy. He wants about $1100. to do the work, but tempted to buy the parts, and do the work myself. I have always done the brake work, and general maintenance on the vehicle myself. I went to O'Reilys here in se michigan, and noticed that Speedy Auto was pretty much charging double the price on every item that had to be changed.
What I am wondering is, am I getting into something that I wish I would not have started, and should have paid the 1100. or buy the parts from Rockauto.com for 459.00 including shipping, and go for it.
I will be jacking up and putting on jack stands, not up on a lift. I would be changing/replacing both front strut/spring assy, both sway bar links, left inner tie rod, and lower right control arm.
If anyone has had experience changing these items and how difficult it was, I'd like to hear.

 

None of them are an especially daunting task. Use the search function near the top of the page or browse the How-To section for info and instructions on each of the items you are looking at. For the lower control arms - it is easier to replace the whole arm (which should include both bushings, as well as the lower ball-joint all preinstalled, as the rear bushing needs to be pressed out and the new one pressed back in, which is something most people can't manage at home). I'd advise replacing both lower control arms as the rear bushings seem to be a weak point, and if one is shot, the other will be sure to follow shortly.

All of the work should be doable on jack stands - no lift required. :)