I installed new lower control arms last year and the ball joints are completely shot despite having driven only a few thousand miles. I am looking at the options at Rock Auto. Some of the economy offerings are more expensive than the daily drivers. I am thinking of going with Moog or AC Delco. Any opinion on Delphi, Mevotech, GM Genuine, Suspensia?

My HHR is 2009. Does this require the aluminum control arms?

 

Yes aluminum LCA’s are the only ones for the HHR, the stamped steel aren’t exactly the same geometry!
Moog, Delphi , AC Delco, your choice

 

I wonder why Rock Auto lists the steel LCA's since they have different geometry. Thanks for confirming the aluminum ones.

 

Because all of the parts books think Cobalt = HHR. Beware of any part that claims "fits all".

 

Yes, the manufacturer tells RockAuto they fit when in fact they don’t!

 

While looking at LCA's at Rock Auto some say they are for FE3 forged arms. I don't know if these would work. I looked inside the glove compartment and I believe my suspension is FE3. At least I think so. Looking through he listings in alphabetical order it says FE3 so I think that is correct. Would forged arm listings fit my 20009 LT?

 

You won't find any FE1, that is what we used to call "OEM crap", FE3 is slightly better grade that is retail quality.

 

The FE3 arms from RockAuto will fit. Which brand did you select?

 

Full disclosure, I’ve never needed to replace an HHR lower control arm, but pretty sure there is absolutely no difference between FE1 and FE3 LCA’s, an as long as you get the aluminum ones that are not for SS FE5, they are correct, BUT based on reading about many owner experiences, I would only replace an entire LCA if the ball joint was bad and instead just replace the bushing(s), because who knows what POS ball joint comes on the new LCA, unless it’s GM.

Right now I’m looking for a right LCA for SS FE5 (different part, won’t fit FE1/3) to go with the left one I already have, no urgency, just for insurance. Hope I never need it.

 

I rebuild the FE1-3 LCA’s, new Moog rear bearing bushing K201285 and a new ball joint ,Delco TC5580. So far after 6,000 miles, no problems .