Suspension Clunking Fix Part 1: Sway Bar Bushings

A brief, two-part tutorial on how to replace the sway bar bushings and links on a 2007 Chevrolet HHR LT 4-door.

[@Sooki1966]

After replacing the struts, twice, and the links, twice, I was finally able to make the clunking go away by cranking down all the bolts as tight as I could get them. The links always loosened at 45-50 foot lbs of torque after a couple of hundred miles. I purchased a 18mm deep dwell socket and used my 3/4 breaker bar to wrench everything down to as tight as I could get it. After nearly 1000 miles the car rides and drives like new.

[@alplumbingspecialistsllc7161]

Amazing Job. Excellent instructions.

[@HoodHandyman]

Excellent video thank you this was just what the dr ordered i'm going to try to pinpoint my problem. Mine make similar noise over bumps and sudden depress of brakes .Only thing loose is sway bar. Links look ok .

[@serchbey]

Replaced those in my car today and have o say that the left side was very very dificult to make, but everythins whent nice.

[@powderman5966]

I have noise in my 2006 the ls thanks for video I'm going to check my sway bars

[@PandaFPV]

I can’t take the fucking brace off the left side. Help. The back bolt is completely loose but it doesn’t come out

[@hejakma4682]

Great video! I just wonder if it's necessary to remove the bracket completely? Why not just change the bushings? Thanks.

[@trentmozingo7176]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@qualityrenov]

good job. very descriptive.

[@mikeeedK]

There is no 16mm bolt involved either!👎🤔

[@dennistoledo465]

Same as Cobalt

[@mikemaxwell1801]

I thought I'd jump in, in case anybody happens by here with this problem. I own an 09 Hillbilly Hot Rod & to be honest, I love the car. Other than this front end noise it has given me no problems. I just finished with sway bar bushings, (direct GM parts from an eBay vendor @ $7.00/each) and sway bar links (Auto Zone by my house at $15/each) and new control arms complete (eBay @ $165/pair) and struts pre loaded complete ($100/pair eBay). The toughest part of the entire job was the back bolt on the control arm! Very stubborn. Second the cheap otc links from Auto Zone were complete garbage. I took the first pair back after 6 months and exchanged them under their lifetime warranty for another set. I'm about 4000 miles into this set and they are failing as well, as I hear that familiar clunking so they will go back too. Moog makes them also and I may order those or direct factory replacement parts. Nice video on a common problem with these cars.

[@Dblade981]

Question I am havin the same issues with this on my car. My mechanic told me it is the sway bar links but it is on my right as well. Should I just change the left one as well or just the right only? Thanks!

[@ScottDearing]

If the right is worn then chances are the left is worn as well. Generally, all maintenance should be completed symmetrically.

[@superstarmj1]

Very Helpful!!!! Thanks!!!!

[@jessicamclane3750]

Hi there hun thank you so much for this video is very helpful. My car is making the same noise coming from the driver side. I looked up the parts price for the bushings and links and its about $50 for the parts? How much in total should I be looking at to get it all fixed at a mechanic? I just don't want to be overpriced? thank you so much again

[@crockett159]

How was the driving affected with the 12in sway bar links? I just made the mistake of buying the 12s.

[@johnmatthew8118]

Thanks for the info!

[@billbright1755]

My 07 HHR,other wise good has had a terrible front end clunk record. One gets tired of problems that never should have been there in the first place. Shameful design quality.

[@2ndmileproductions]

Torque to 37ft lbs

[@HoodHandyman]

i did everything he said and more still sounds like a box of rice crispies when i drive over a bump this car is a piece of shit. i replaced every movable part just about even the struts and lower control arms made no difference at all beware of this car !!

[@jeffsmith9233]

Terrible camera work moving way to fast from one to another