So I haven't driven my HHR in about 5 weeks.
With the wonderful weather we've been having here in the midwest I've been sticking to my motorcycle as the main source of my transportation. So obviously I missed the wonderful feeling I get when I'm cruising down the freeway in my my car. Chrome on my wheels and tunes on my radio.
Well, the other day I tried starting it and it wouldn't start.
Bummer.
So I finally get it jumpstarted and start driving around to charge up the battery.
To my surprise when I accelerate there's this awful noise coming from what I assume are the the front wheels(or somewhere in the wheel wells at least).
Great, my brakes are bad.
So I get my brakes replaced, rotors and all, and the noise is still happening.
So I look for myself and see this.
Link to Images of Automotive Horror
I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to do this.
What do I need to do to fix this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

 

You need to replace the sway bar link. There's one on ea. side. I would replace them both.

I can't believe you didn't here it making noise before it came apart. I also don't see how when the brake were done they didn't see it.

 

Lucky nailed it - just replace the sway bar links, making sure you get the same length. They are available at most auto parts stores as well as any GM dealer - and they are not expensive.

Sounds like you did a full brake job unnecessarily? That had to be expensive.

 

I think I'd take it back to the shop or mechanic who did the work, and hsve a nice serious talk with them about a refund, and replacing the sway bar links free of charge.

 

Thanks for all of your replies! I know the brake job wasn't completely unnecessary because my brakes definitely rumbled when I applied them. But you guys are right, the mechanic should have noticed this before repairing my brakes and told me about it. I'll be visiting them very soon to talk about their very big oversight.

 

You're gonna need two of these Moog K750012 sway bar end links they are greaseable and are the correct length for your HHR


Or these same part from Summit

Moog Sway Bar End Links AMGK750012 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

Check the pricing and the shipping charges to deside were you order them from


Check these out and deside if you want to tackle this or pay a mechanic to do it either way you'll know what to look for


If the sway bay bushings are shot use these

Energy Suspension 9.5161 - Universal - Greaseable Sway Bar Bushings - 25mm (0.98 inch). Energy Suspension ENE-9.5161G
They are greaseable and last much longer then OEM

Enjoy the ride as long as the sunshine !!
Then get in you HHR and crank up the tunes!!

 

Thanks Oldblue! That is exactly what I was looking for! You're a life saver!

 

Your welcome!