We own a used 2006 HHR 2.4 L with discs in the front and drums in the rear. My wife was complaining of a shudder in the steering wheel on braking. Decided to do the front brakes today, since we have put about 22,000 on it since we purchased it. Everything went fine... ac/delco rotors and bendix pads went in smoothly. the "old" brake pads had a clip on the bottom which matched up with what the Bendix pads had, but the Bendix pads came with an additional clip (I didn't use it) and the old pads had a flange like piece of metal that was in the middle of the backing of the pad and at a 90 degree angle...sort of going into the caliper. Here is my question... what the heck does that clip do!! isn't really attached to the caliper in any way...should I have used the other clip as well?

Thanks,

dan

 

It's an indicator that drags on the rotor and squeals when the brakes are close to worn out.

 

excellent... makes total sense and I certainly don't need 2 of them per wheel! Thanks!!

dan

 

Clip does nothing.

However, using the Stock GM brakes, be sure to use a file to clean the grove where the pads float. Clean under the clips for the pads and the clips themselves with a small file.

Then BE SURE to use disc brake grease on the pins and on the groves making sure the pads have a slight freedom to slide as the caliper applies pressure and to release that pressure once the brake is released.

If you do not, you run the risk of warping the rotor as SO MANY people complain about on the HHR.

Be sure to get the correct grease (not break free as it does not hold up as long).

 

right...did use disc brake grease on the pad mount points and on the caliper pins. We'll see how the set-up holds up !

Thanks

dan