HHR Rotor Problems
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 05-18-2015
Posts: 11
From: Salem Or
HHR Rotor Problems
HI Guys, First timer.
When I bought my used HHR a 2011 the rotors where warped at 23 k so they were replaced by the dealer along with the pads. So here I am 45k later and the rotors are warped again but, the pads are still good. I am hard on the front brakes, I know this. MY questions to the group are these: One, is this a common problem and Two, would High Performance rotors solve the problem Thanks Dan
When I bought my used HHR a 2011 the rotors where warped at 23 k so they were replaced by the dealer along with the pads. So here I am 45k later and the rotors are warped again but, the pads are still good. I am hard on the front brakes, I know this. MY questions to the group are these: One, is this a common problem and Two, would High Performance rotors solve the problem Thanks Dan
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
Welcome!
Very common problem, learn how to use the search tool. You will find hundreds of references.
Your problem is more likely to be some combination of hubs and control arm bushings and failure to keep the rear brakes adjusted properly and bad shocks/struts.
Many people think fancy/expensive rotors have helped, that is not MY experience
Very common problem, learn how to use the search tool. You will find hundreds of references.
Your problem is more likely to be some combination of hubs and control arm bushings and failure to keep the rear brakes adjusted properly and bad shocks/struts.
Many people think fancy/expensive rotors have helped, that is not MY experience
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,718
From: Alabama
Welcome to the site. 
Common problem. Yes. High performance rotors. That's really a loaded question because it depends on which rotors you go with.
Fwiw. Rotor problems are probably one of the most discussed topics on this forum over the years. If you don't mind doing a little(a lot ) of reading, there are literally thousands of posts and threads regarding this issue. Try our Search function and you''ll find just about every discussion there is.
Another fwiw. Keeping the rear brakes adjusted up seems to keep the "warp" factor down. Seems that GM's idea of self adjusting rear brakes doesn't really work worth a flip.
Common problem. Yes. High performance rotors. That's really a loaded question because it depends on which rotors you go with.
Fwiw. Rotor problems are probably one of the most discussed topics on this forum over the years. If you don't mind doing a little(a lot ) of reading, there are literally thousands of posts and threads regarding this issue. Try our Search function and you''ll find just about every discussion there is.
Another fwiw. Keeping the rear brakes adjusted up seems to keep the "warp" factor down. Seems that GM's idea of self adjusting rear brakes doesn't really work worth a flip.
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
x3 - especially the part about keeping the rear brakes adjusted.
Resurfacing the rotors sometimes works, but I have the impression that it is just easier to replace them, as the resurfacing doesn't necessarily last that long before the problem returns.
Resurfacing the rotors sometimes works, but I have the impression that it is just easier to replace them, as the resurfacing doesn't necessarily last that long before the problem returns.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-17-2014
Posts: 101
From: Canton, OH
"Warping" rotors is a misconception.
The symptom (brake pulsation) that people commonly attribute to rotor warpage is usually either pad transfer or a rotor thickness issue caused by hubs that do not run true.
While "Pad Transfer" is a normal condition with brakes, in some circumstances, the material will transfer unevenly. This causes the coefficient of friction to be uneven as the brakes are applied to the rotor. It is usually caused by brakes that have been overheated. Unless you have a very poor style of braking, it does not normally reoccur once pad/rotors are replaced.
The most likely culprit, especially if you are having the rotors turned (or replacing them with new ones) and you have a reoccurrence of the problem after 3-5K miles, you most likely have hubs that aren't true.
In that situation, you have 3 choices:
1) Replace the hubs and hope the replacements are better than what you have currently.
2) Measure the run-out and purchase "Rotor shims" to counteract the run-out.
3) Have someone with an "On-Car" brake lathe cut your rotors. This trues them to the hub, regardless of how much run-out it has (with-in reason).
Hope this helps!
Ken
The symptom (brake pulsation) that people commonly attribute to rotor warpage is usually either pad transfer or a rotor thickness issue caused by hubs that do not run true.
While "Pad Transfer" is a normal condition with brakes, in some circumstances, the material will transfer unevenly. This causes the coefficient of friction to be uneven as the brakes are applied to the rotor. It is usually caused by brakes that have been overheated. Unless you have a very poor style of braking, it does not normally reoccur once pad/rotors are replaced.
The most likely culprit, especially if you are having the rotors turned (or replacing them with new ones) and you have a reoccurrence of the problem after 3-5K miles, you most likely have hubs that aren't true.
In that situation, you have 3 choices:
1) Replace the hubs and hope the replacements are better than what you have currently.
2) Measure the run-out and purchase "Rotor shims" to counteract the run-out.
3) Have someone with an "On-Car" brake lathe cut your rotors. This trues them to the hub, regardless of how much run-out it has (with-in reason).
Hope this helps!
Ken
Last edited by Kersh; Jun 2, 2015 at 06:50 AM.