SS Lower ball joint replacement
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 06-27-2017
Posts: 44
From: Saskatoon
I attended the PRI show in Indianapolis, the show is more oriented to performance parts.
Chevrolet had a big display there for their performance division. I figured what the heck, I'll ask them about the ball joint for the HHR SS. Two different reps couldn't come up with a reason for this not being a separate item for purchase, or where they come from.
I also talked to a suspension specialist, and I use the term loosely, he showed me their listings for lower ball joints, which all had specs on the nub, unfortunately they where all tapered, doh. Then he suggested building a custom lower control arm...........I don't think he heard the part about the nub being a straight barrel with a relief for a capture bolt. So with his plan, now I'd have to source a different steering hub to fit the ball joint, this was starting to sound like a snowball rolling down hill. I can just imagine the domino effect on parts to get everything to work together.
I left the show with no usable alternative, which really didn't surprise me, so the quest continues. I will find the Holy Grail eventually, LOL.
Chevrolet had a big display there for their performance division. I figured what the heck, I'll ask them about the ball joint for the HHR SS. Two different reps couldn't come up with a reason for this not being a separate item for purchase, or where they come from.
I also talked to a suspension specialist, and I use the term loosely, he showed me their listings for lower ball joints, which all had specs on the nub, unfortunately they where all tapered, doh. Then he suggested building a custom lower control arm...........I don't think he heard the part about the nub being a straight barrel with a relief for a capture bolt. So with his plan, now I'd have to source a different steering hub to fit the ball joint, this was starting to sound like a snowball rolling down hill. I can just imagine the domino effect on parts to get everything to work together.
I left the show with no usable alternative, which really didn't surprise me, so the quest continues. I will find the Holy Grail eventually, LOL.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-10-2008
Posts: 314
From: Illinois
Help
Ok I have read through this entire thread and just want to clear up a few things. Are the lower ball joints two different sizes or are they both 20.5mm? I purchased some Mevotech control arms that said they were for my FE5 suspension and while the car feels more stable I still get a bit of a clunk and the wheels wobble just a little bit. I have been working with a GM mechanic and he said the ball joints are the wrong size so I am assuming the control Arms I purchased have the 20mm joints on them which is causing my symptoms. I was hoping to just be able to swap those out but it looks like that may not be possible.
Here are the parts I ordered and installed
MEVOTECH CMS50174
MEVOTECH CMS50173
Do I have to get all new Control Arms again?
Here are the parts I ordered and installed
MEVOTECH CMS50174
MEVOTECH CMS50173
Do I have to get all new Control Arms again?
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,972
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Yes you have the wrong ball joint.
tye only source for SS ball joints are included with the GM parts
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...-thread-48833/
an excerpt from the common part number thread
Lower Control Arm - SS models ONLY (FE5 suspension)
IMPORTANT: they are only available thru GM - No after-market suppliers make a compatible part at this time, even though they may say the parts they have are for all HHR's
- GM - P/N: 25930724 - Right
- GM - P/N: 25930725 - Left
(note: Do NOT substitute a FE1 or FE3 LCA - the ball joint stub on them is 20MM and is not compatible with the spindle on a FE5/SS which is 20.5MM)
order the new new ones now, before you damage the steering knuckles
tye only source for SS ball joints are included with the GM parts
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...-thread-48833/
an excerpt from the common part number thread
Lower Control Arm - SS models ONLY (FE5 suspension)
IMPORTANT: they are only available thru GM - No after-market suppliers make a compatible part at this time, even though they may say the parts they have are for all HHR's
- GM - P/N: 25930724 - Right
- GM - P/N: 25930725 - Left
(note: Do NOT substitute a FE1 or FE3 LCA - the ball joint stub on them is 20MM and is not compatible with the spindle on a FE5/SS which is 20.5MM)
order the new new ones now, before you damage the steering knuckles
Senior Member
Joined: 05-10-2008
Posts: 314
From: Illinois
Yes you have the wrong ball joint.
tye only source for SS ball joints are included with the GM parts
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...-thread-48833/
an excerpt from the common part number thread
Lower Control Arm - SS models ONLY (FE5 suspension)
IMPORTANT: they are only available thru GM - No after-market suppliers make a compatible part at this time, even though they may say the parts they have are for all HHR's
- GM - P/N: 25930724 - Right
- GM - P/N: 25930725 - Left
(note: Do NOT substitute a FE1 or FE3 LCA - the ball joint stub on them is 20MM and is not compatible with the spindle on a FE5/SS which is 20.5MM)
order the new new ones now, before you damage the steering knuckles
tye only source for SS ball joints are included with the GM parts
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/comm...-thread-48833/
an excerpt from the common part number thread
Lower Control Arm - SS models ONLY (FE5 suspension)
IMPORTANT: they are only available thru GM - No after-market suppliers make a compatible part at this time, even though they may say the parts they have are for all HHR's
- GM - P/N: 25930724 - Right
- GM - P/N: 25930725 - Left
(note: Do NOT substitute a FE1 or FE3 LCA - the ball joint stub on them is 20MM and is not compatible with the spindle on a FE5/SS which is 20.5MM)
order the new new ones now, before you damage the steering knuckles
Thank you for this information. My HHR SS is a 2008. Those part numbers say they are not compatible with my HHR. Should that matter?
Sorry to be a pain but I already paid for aftermarket parts that said they would be right so I want to make sure I get the right parts before I spend money again. If I look up my HHR SS at a parts place like GMPartsDirect.com I get these part numbers for the control arm
15803767 - Lower Control Arm Right
15803766 - Lower Control Arm Left
In fact it is those part numbers I referenced to get the after market ones. Seems those are incorrect?
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,480
From: Fredericksburg,VA
IDescription: Without soft ride suspension. Fe5 suspension, without SS. With SS model. Cobalt. Left. Perf. & handling susp.
The correct https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-pa...l-arm-25930724
All of the parts books are "confused"; There are 2 different models of Cobalt SS and 1 HHR SS, everybody ASSuMEs that Cobalt and HHR are identical.
The numbers Oldblue posted are correct from experience.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 39,972
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Cobalt FE5 Lower Control Arm Rh 2008 - 2010 25930724
https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-arm-25930725.html
those 15803766 and 15803767 are for the 2005 -2007 Cobalt SC they had the small ball joints , it’s a common occurrence. I believe due to wanting to save a few bucks because they are a bit cheaper.
https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/parts/gm-arm-25930725.html
those 15803766 and 15803767 are for the 2005 -2007 Cobalt SC they had the small ball joints , it’s a common occurrence. I believe due to wanting to save a few bucks because they are a bit cheaper.
Senior Member
Joined: 05-10-2008
Posts: 314
From: Illinois
for 15803766
The correct https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-pa...l-arm-25930724
All of the parts books are "confused"; There are 2 different models of Cobalt SS and 1 HHR SS, everybody ASSuMEs that Cobalt and HHR are identical.
The numbers Oldblue posted are correct from experience.
The correct https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-pa...l-arm-25930724
All of the parts books are "confused"; There are 2 different models of Cobalt SS and 1 HHR SS, everybody ASSuMEs that Cobalt and HHR are identical.
The numbers Oldblue posted are correct from experience.
