Hi, again guys with another question, just remember I am a newbie. I am the proud owner of a 2006, and it seems weak on the brakes. I know this has shoes on the rear, but is this normal. Or do just have to press harder on the pedal. I found for the throttle you have to get on it to get going.
Thank you

 

As long as the pads and rotors are good on the front, about all that should be checked is the rears, which MUST be adjusted properly. The self-adjusters on the rear don't usually work that well, so many make it a routine maintenance item to adjust the rears manually.

 

X2, adjust the rear drum brakes every oil change.
If you count more then 3 clicks as you engage the e brake , you need the adjust the rear shoes

 

On my wife's '08 I've not been thrilled with the braking. Takes far more pedal pressure than our other vehicles. I've spiked the brakes on gravel and am getting braking on all four wheels.

Now, I could be wrong on this but the feel is that the car has more weight than the brakes are comfortable with. Just my opinion.

Wren

 

Gravel is not a good place to check the brakes as there is no friction between the 2 surfaces, rubber/road.
X3 on adjusting rear brakes. As one poster said "every oil change" and if your still concerned take the vehicle to a reputable brake shop and have the system checked.

 

Then again, the upgrade to larger diameter rotors from the 2008 thru 2010 SS non Brembo only requires the caliper brackets and 11.6 inch rotors.
I’m about to do this upgrade in the BlackSwan, here is the how to

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...ard-hhr-42938/

 

Don't forget that Dot 3 brake fluid should be thoroughly flushed, I do mine every 5 years.

But Auto parts stores sell a test kit, that you dip a test strip into the brake fluid & what color it changes to indicates the fluid lifespan used.