What a pain.....
I consider myself a pretty good shade tree mechanic. I have always done my own repairs, maintenance, etc. I have even done an engine swap on an Audi A4 Quatro in my garage. That was a job. But I digress...on to my point.
The rear drum brakes on these HHR's is a PITA! I have worked on drum brakes on all kinds of cars since the 70's but never have I encountered anything like these. Nearly 2 hours on a job that should have taken 30 minutes. I have to wonder who came up with this setup. I sure hope its another 115,000 miles before I have to do it again. Thanks for giving me a place to vent...lol. |
I sense you have the horseshoe springs, there is a tool for that but I agree with you PITA!
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
(Post 767727)
I sense you have the horseshoe springs, there is a tool for that but I agree with you PITA!
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Glad they worked out in the end.
And I pity the person that takes both sides apart at the same time, rather than doing them one-side at a time, so you can refer to the untouched side for reference when putting them back together. I started to make that mistake myself, then thought, oh no - this might get to be a problem. Good thing they don't have to be too frequently. :) |
When I did mine I had the forethought to read an instructive article and to have the tool in hand. Still a PITA, but after you see the correct way to use the tool, which is not obvious, it is easier.
The Universal spring is nothing new, many European cars have had them. You do know that the HHR is basically a European platform, right? It's a Saab for all practical purposes. |
Saab is one I never had the pleasure to work on. I learned something new. I guess that is the up side. I learned a long time ago never to take both sides apart at the same time.
It is really a simple design. Just a little hard to execute. |
my father taught me the one side at a time method, BUT ALSO said to MAKE A SKETCH if necessary
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Does this depend on year or model? Luckily I have the 'conventional' type.
Sounds like a case of making a tool, maybe hooks/straps with a c-clamp/worm gear setup? |
Originally Posted by hhr06NJ
(Post 767753)
my father taught me the one side at a time method, BUT ALSO said to MAKE A SKETCH if necessary
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Originally Posted by prod
(Post 767764)
Does this depend on year or model? Luckily I have the 'conventional' type.
Sounds like a case of making a tool, maybe hooks/straps with a c-clamp/worm gear setup? No need to make a tool the Medieval torture tool works fine. Like this one https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil...5.35_thumb.jpg Or this J38400 $75 tool https://www.chevyhhr.net/gallery/fil.../6/9/9/_35.jpg But there is another version that does not have the cup for the hold down springs and has a different configuration of the mean looking ends, I can't find mine right now, that works better. |
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