MOOG RK620898 and MOOG RK620897
lower arms.
If the LCA were the problem why didn't it pop up until after the inner tierods were changed?

 

For a couple possible reasons, but it doesn't matter. Moot point, Those are the incorrect lower control arms with the incorrect ball joints that have been already discussed. They will ruin your hard-to-find knuckles, as well as cause alignment problems. The good news is that in addition to the correct LCA's and ball joints (as mentioned by Oldblue,) the SS knuckles are now available from ZZP. But hopefully you can salvage your knuckles.

Scan for codes again and find (and write down) the C code(s).

 

Wrong LCA’s.
Look up the MOOG website fitment chart for those part numbers you listed. It shows both Cobalt and HHR models 2005-2011. It does not list the HHR SS.
Pretty sure that MOOG has never had LCA’s for the HHR SS.

As stated many times on this forum, when it pertains to parts lists for the HHR SS, most lists are incorrect or wrong.

 

Control arms , note select the 20.5 mm for LNF SS HHR.

https://zzperformance.com/products/z...m-control-arms

Or just replace the ball joints again select the 20.5 size

https://zzperformance.com/products/z...ball-joint-kit

It might not have shown until the knuckles loosened up. If your knuckles are damaged, they are available once again

https://zzperformance.com/products/z...ering-knuckles

 

Ill have to check if I still have my old LCAs. The came from Ohio and had a lot if corrosion on the knuckles. They were cleaned up as much as possible.
I will scan the code again to see what it says.
I can always return these arms and get the right ones. But I dont see how changing the arms out would let the steering work again. I dont want to throw money away.

 

Doesn't matter if it has any effect on steering. It is dangerous to operate the vehicle with those undersized ball joints.

 

code U2111

 

Here are the codes

 

I installed a set of LCA's and the went in just fine. After driving a few months, the front tires were worn out on the inside edge (nothing left of the tread) and an alignment showed they were way off. it drove OK, I ended up replacing the LCA's a second time with Moog brand LCA's. alignment was back on and I had to purchase new tires, Moral is, be careful where you buy the LCA's. if the price is cheap, they may be too. I stick to name brand replacement parts now.

 

A. none of those are Cxxx codes.
B. U2111 should have a hex number after to tell which module (like those Bxxxx have) Basically the steering control system.
C. ALL of those Bxxxx codes pertain to the airbag system, why didn't you mention the airbag light? Specifically one or more elements are disconnected/unpowered.

I suspect someone broke or disconnected a wire while working on the car.

jimvw, as repeatedly stated the SS control arms are NOT the same as LS/LT arms, no matter what a parts book thinks. Almost all books (including GM dealers) claim "fits all".