Hey guys im new here and idk if my car is screwed.
My SS has 105k miles.
Last year I put coilovers on and had an alignment. No problem.
I was having a scratching sound, I thought it was a brake squeeler only when I was in reverse. Put it on a lift and decided to change out some worn parts. Replaced lower control arms, swaybar end links, outer tie rods, front wheel bearings. Drove to alignment shop. Told me I needed new inner tie rods.
Swapped those out and immediately my brake pedal felt bad (like abs was activating) service power steering & esc lights came on. No long jas power steering.
I've checked the main power fuse under the hood and a 2 amp fuse inside.
What is the problem? What did I do to break the car?

 

Scan for codes, You're looking for C codes, which require a capable scanner, Cheapies won't read them. The parts store free scans might.

 

I have to ask , the LCA’s , were they the correct SS version? The alignment shop was the steering wheel off when you drove it there?

 

The alignment was off when I drove to the alignment shop. I assume the LCA are the same. I thought they have the same lower arms.

 

I got a C code. I dont remember what it said. (Expensive scanners) but there is no communication to module was the error.

 

LCA’s for the SS are unique for that model. It is because the ball joints have a 20.5 mm stub shaft. The other HHR models have a smaller ball joint shaft and should NOT be used on a SS.
Since true SS LCA’s are almost impossible to find now, I would think you may have the incorrect ones.

SS owners have had to resort to rebuilding their old LCA’s with the replacement ball joints and bushings.

 

If the ball joint stud was easy to insert into the knuckle it is the wrong part.

 

ZZP has correct SS LCA’s and OTTP has correct ball joints.

Im thinking they adjusted the tie rods to centre the steering wheel, they might have done it wrong, throwing the steering position sensor off kilter.

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/ss-s...iameter-64831/

 

And that would be easy to do with the wrong LCAs. Impossible to make the toe stick.

The Cxxxx code would tell you what the problem is. There are no Cxxxx codes that have anything to do with "communication".

 

I suggest disconnecting the tie rods , line up the front wheels to centre them , then centre the steering wheel and then adjust the tie rods to reconnect them. This is an easy thing to do with two 1 foot squares of cardboard per side , so you don’t scrub your driveway. Measure from the centre of your front tire to a 21mm socket on the LCA’s rear bushing bolt. Don’t spin the steering wheel! Move it slowly into position.

if you have the bill for the ball joints we can determine if you have the correct ball joints