2006 Chevy HHR Lower Control Arm Replace 

I'm a shop tech. And I had to do this job on my sons car. It was a very easy repair. Took 20 minutes. A perfect job for a DIY'r building confidence.

The easiest rear bushing / frame bolt removal I've seen.

I find videos like this very helpful especially when you’re trying to keep your car running good at a low cost without dealing with a mechanic I appreciate this video

Thank you for an excellent demonstration, and the torque specks as well as wrench sizes! Uncommonly useful information :)

Very helpful. Did both sides today. Right on the money on procedure. Thank you!

I do thank you. Worked just like you said. Getting that rear bushing to line up was the toughest part.

Great video

Awesome, thanks for the heads up with a very thorough vid. Keep up the good work.

Happy new year thanks for you help

great video... thank you for sharing! 👌🏻

I would put red loctite on the bolts also.

Had to do that job a week after buying my new to me 2007 HHR. but I only needed the big bushing so I ordered that and pressed it in. had a heck of a time putting it back together then put a ratchet strap on and it all lined up. that and a new power steering motor is the only issue I have had for a year now. we rung the same motor in our baja bugs and they are bullet proof.

Nice job

Great video.

Awesome Video!!!

I know the HHR shares many parts with the Cavalier, Pontiac G5, Cobalt, but, I just picked up a 07 G5 & It needs a driver side front lower control arm! The one thing that you did not mention is, At least on the G5, They came with TWO DIFFERENT SUSPENSION SET UP'S!! (SPORT OR TOURING) One must know which suspension their vehicle has when ordering control arms! I did not see in your book where it said to torque then, loosen & re-torque the rear bushing... only the nut on the ball joint bolt! I believe it to be very important to wire wheel any corrosion or rust off the bolt, & arround its hole & mounting surface & use anti-seize on the shaft of the bolt & thread locker on the threads & maybe the built in washer(face of bolt) So that the bolt does not rust/seize in the next 10 years or so (for the next person)

Great help i was having troubles lineing up my lower bushing with the heavy bolt little convenceing straightened it up just right hope anyone trying to work on theres got some great advice from a pro like i did

You can tell if your back bushing is bad because it will be metal on metal with no gap between..ill be replacing my nieces next week on her 05 Saturn ion which has the same exact control arm

I have a 2006 HHR bought brand new. It has 225,000 miles and is currently on the 3rd set of lower control arms. It seems I replace them (myself) and they last about a year before they start making noises again. It has been about 2 years since I installed the last set and it needs them again. As for torque, I have just tightened them up as tight as I could. Since I installed the last set I figured I was doing something wrong. An internet search told me that before the final torque, while the front end is lifted, I should load the front suspension as it would be if the car would be sitting on the ground. This would be done by putting a jack under the brake rotor and lifting it into its normal position and then torquing everything to the proper settings. That was not covered in your video (excellent video by the way). Do I need to load the suspension prior to torquing or did I just mess up by not torquing properly in the first place?

im doing this tomm. and have watched a bunch of videos.i thought the control arm had to be pre-loaded (with pressure on the ball joint area, (after tightened) with floor jack) so that they set at the right level before you tighten the 2-15 mm bolts and the 1-21 mm bolt ? is this not necessary ?? i know the 3 bolts needed to be started but not tightened until preloaded

Do you need to have a wheel alignment after doing this job?

Where can I find a good impact drill and socket set to accomplish this task?? Thank you sir

Just an FYI, you can damage your torque wrench by using it to turn those extra degrees after it's already clicked.

Would those torque specs be the same for a Cobalt? The SS model?

After 09 the HHR SS came with a slightly larger ball joint. Just make sure you get the right one. Don't trust what they give you.

Hello bro How did you pay for those control arms?

What's going on behind the wooden fence at 6:07 ?

Hello do i have to take it for alignment after replacing both sides?

As fast as cars are built, do you really think they use torque specs?

Sorry. Invalid. You dont get away with using standard when its metric. Faulty information.