Soon to be 2006 HHR owner
Thread Starter
Joined: 02-09-2012
Posts: 2
From: Western Colorado
Soon to be 2006 HHR owner
Hello:I am buying a one owner Red Spring HHR in a couple of days with only 51K miles from the original owner. It also has the 2.4 engine, automatic and sun roof. We plan on using it as our second vehicle and will also tow it behind our motor home. I did notice on a test drive that there is some brake shutter and will probably have to turn or replace the rotors. Does that type shutter ever come from out-of-round rear drums?
The ride on smooth pavement is excellent but any road roughness can be felt more than I like. Would it be possible to go to 15 inch wheels and tires from a Cobalt, Saturn, GS, Pursuit or etc. etc. to get tires with more sidewall to absorb the road roughness? What kind of MPG should we get on trips?
Thanks, montrosekeven
Senior Member
Joined: 06-21-2006
Posts: 939
From: Calgary
15 inch wheels should fit from what I remember. I believe a few people run 15 inch wheels with snow tires on the HHR.
As for the rotors, don't bother with turning them. Just invest a couple hundred dollars and get a good set of rotors. It would probably be a good idea to replace the pads at the same time as well (they likely haven't been replaced.) I replaced my rotors with ATE PremiumOne available at TireRack along with Hawk brake pads and I have not had any shutter or vibration issues since.
I would also consider replacing the battery and the accessory belt if they have not been replaced yet. My battery started to go bad and was weak after about 5 years. It failed to start a few times in the winter and I finally replaced it this week after 6.25 years. The battery was dead after my HHR sat for 9 days when I went on vacation.
Highway fuel economy should be in the 31 mpg range assuming speeds around 65-70 mph. My city fuel economy is about 21 mpg right now with most of my driving being under 30 mph in stop and go conditions with most trips being under 5 miles.
As for the rotors, don't bother with turning them. Just invest a couple hundred dollars and get a good set of rotors. It would probably be a good idea to replace the pads at the same time as well (they likely haven't been replaced.) I replaced my rotors with ATE PremiumOne available at TireRack along with Hawk brake pads and I have not had any shutter or vibration issues since.
I would also consider replacing the battery and the accessory belt if they have not been replaced yet. My battery started to go bad and was weak after about 5 years. It failed to start a few times in the winter and I finally replaced it this week after 6.25 years. The battery was dead after my HHR sat for 9 days when I went on vacation.
Highway fuel economy should be in the 31 mpg range assuming speeds around 65-70 mph. My city fuel economy is about 21 mpg right now with most of my driving being under 30 mph in stop and go conditions with most trips being under 5 miles.
Banned
Joined: 10-02-2010
Posts: 5,933
From: Port Huron, MI
my 
if you put on some 16"s like I have with appropriate tires to match the 17" tread height, you would be more comfy, and have more options wheel wise.
Average MPG depends on the driver.. I would expect you could see 26mpg for city driving, and 33mpg highway conservatively.
and Welcome to the forum.
if you put on some 16"s like I have with appropriate tires to match the 17" tread height, you would be more comfy, and have more options wheel wise. Average MPG depends on the driver.. I would expect you could see 26mpg for city driving, and 33mpg highway conservatively.
and Welcome to the forum.
to the forum montrosekeven!
and
Thread Starter
Joined: 02-09-2012
Posts: 2
From: Western Colorado
15 inch wheels should fit from what I remember. I believe a few people run 15 inch wheels with snow tires on the HHR.
As for the rotors, don't bother with turning them. Just invest a couple hundred dollars and get a good set of rotors. It would probably be a good idea to replace the pads at the same time as well (they likely haven't been replaced.) I replaced my rotors with ATE PremiumOne available at TireRack along with Hawk brake pads and I have not had any shutter or vibration issues since.
I would also consider replacing the battery and the accessory belt if they have not been replaced yet. My battery started to go bad and was weak after about 5 years. It failed to start a few times in the winter and I finally replaced it this week after 6.25 years. The battery was dead after my HHR sat for 9 days when I went on vacation.
Highway fuel economy should be in the 31 mpg range assuming speeds around 65-70 mph. My city fuel economy is about 21 mpg right now with most of my driving being under 30 mph in stop and go conditions with most trips being under 5 miles.
As for the rotors, don't bother with turning them. Just invest a couple hundred dollars and get a good set of rotors. It would probably be a good idea to replace the pads at the same time as well (they likely haven't been replaced.) I replaced my rotors with ATE PremiumOne available at TireRack along with Hawk brake pads and I have not had any shutter or vibration issues since.
I would also consider replacing the battery and the accessory belt if they have not been replaced yet. My battery started to go bad and was weak after about 5 years. It failed to start a few times in the winter and I finally replaced it this week after 6.25 years. The battery was dead after my HHR sat for 9 days when I went on vacation.
Highway fuel economy should be in the 31 mpg range assuming speeds around 65-70 mph. My city fuel economy is about 21 mpg right now with most of my driving being under 30 mph in stop and go conditions with most trips being under 5 miles.
A few years ago I bought a Toyota Matrix and replaced the 16" wheels with 15" from a Corola. The diameter was exactly the same and it did help the ride. Take care.
Platinum Member
Joined: 01-09-2007
Posts: 16,081
From: SE USA
montrosekeven Welcome..
Bolt pattern for All HHRs' is 5 x 110mm, Saturn, Certain Cobalts, 2004 & newer Malibus' & many others use this pattern also.. I'm sure others here would know what else fits in 15".. Those tires would be the lowest cost also..(as you know)..
Check this link:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/tires-wheels-49/15-inch-malibu-wheels-27903/
Napa has good quality front rotors & pads.. If you do that, keep the rear drum brakes adjusted properly. The self adjusters don't always self adjust..
That really helps keep the fronts from overworking..
Bolt pattern for All HHRs' is 5 x 110mm, Saturn, Certain Cobalts, 2004 & newer Malibus' & many others use this pattern also.. I'm sure others here would know what else fits in 15".. Those tires would be the lowest cost also..(as you know)..
Check this link:
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/tires-wheels-49/15-inch-malibu-wheels-27903/
Napa has good quality front rotors & pads.. If you do that, keep the rear drum brakes adjusted properly. The self adjusters don't always self adjust..
That really helps keep the fronts from overworking..
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