Brakes and rotors
06-15-2017, 12:25 AM
#1
Premium Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 03-12-2017
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 1,128
Brakes and rotors
Hey Gang. I am about to replace the front pads and rotors on my 06 2LT w/117k miles. I've read all the "how to" and am now looking for preferences. Which ones did you install? Is the upgrade to "SS" a better choice? Plain or drilled and slotted. Ceramic or not? Willwood, Brembo, EBC, PowerStop, OEM? Thanx
06-15-2017, 03:55 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-25-2017
Location: Ventura, CA
Posts: 235
brakes
I've recently done Powerstop rotors and ceramic pads at 100111K miles. It was the Extreme Z26 Street Warrior kit. I can't say to how they compare to stock since I was getting a lot of shake and not great feel from the brakes when I changed them. They work great and I have confidence in short stopping and the rotors look good. I kept my calipers though, no sense and changing them when nothing is wrong.
In hindsight, I should've upgraded to the non-Brembo SS brakes. More stopping power and they still fit the 16" wheels which I have. Powerstop makes a drilled and slotted rotor in the 11.6 which is the non-brembo front rotors. I recently was on their website after reading through the threads about upgrading LS and LT brakes, and they have their list by make and model. https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...ront%20Caliper
Again, I am happy with the Powerstop brand, I just wish I would have gone to the SS size rotors on the front. Good luck with the replacement.
In hindsight, I should've upgraded to the non-Brembo SS brakes. More stopping power and they still fit the 16" wheels which I have. Powerstop makes a drilled and slotted rotor in the 11.6 which is the non-brembo front rotors. I recently was on their website after reading through the threads about upgrading LS and LT brakes, and they have their list by make and model. https://www.powerstop.com/product/po...ront%20Caliper
Again, I am happy with the Powerstop brand, I just wish I would have gone to the SS size rotors on the front. Good luck with the replacement.
06-15-2017, 06:04 AM
#3
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Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
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After numerous brakes in the stock form , I switched to the larger SS non Brembo set up , smooth rotors, AC Delco ceramic pads.
No more brake judder, and I keep me rear drum brakes adjusted properly
No more brake judder, and I keep me rear drum brakes adjusted properly
06-15-2017, 06:17 AM
#4
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Join Date: 03-06-2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 6,869
Napa Gold (or whatever they call their top of the line setup)
In my opinion...
1. Slotted rotors do nothing for a street driven car except make it look "cool".
2. The biggest problem with the non SS HHR is the drum brakes in the rear. Four wheel disc would be the best improvement if someone were going to modify the braking system in a LS/LT HHR. Larger front rotors don't address this problem, they just cover it up.
Removes self from soapbox.....
In my opinion...
1. Slotted rotors do nothing for a street driven car except make it look "cool".
2. The biggest problem with the non SS HHR is the drum brakes in the rear. Four wheel disc would be the best improvement if someone were going to modify the braking system in a LS/LT HHR. Larger front rotors don't address this problem, they just cover it up.
Removes self from soapbox.....
06-15-2017, 06:55 AM
#5
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Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
Posts: 36,519
Strange, the larger front rotors, do address the problem, at least in my case! Perhaps it's the inferior brake pads used in the swap?
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...ard-hhr-42938/
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/brak...ard-hhr-42938/
06-15-2017, 08:02 AM
#6
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 03-12-2017
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 1,128
Excuse me if this a dumb question. Do I need to change the caliper mounting bracket also?
06-15-2017, 08:25 AM
#7
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Join Date: 10-13-2011
Location: Welland,Ont Canada
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Yes, just the rotors and calliper brackets, you will still have your stock callipers.
I have a set of SS callipers , the pistons are smaller in diameter then my stock LS callipers.
I have a set of SS callipers , the pistons are smaller in diameter then my stock LS callipers.
06-15-2017, 08:37 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 03-12-2017
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 1,128
Thanx OldBlue. This will be on my list when I get back from Missouri. Going to see my Dad. First time in 6 years. Well, this and the TTR sway bar. Might as well, eh.
06-15-2017, 09:48 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
Napa Gold (or whatever they call their top of the line setup)
In my opinion...
1. Slotted rotors do nothing for a street driven car except make it look "cool".
2. The biggest problem with the non SS HHR is the drum brakes in the rear. Four wheel disc would be the best improvement if someone were going to modify the braking system in a LS/LT HHR. Larger front rotors don't address this problem, they just cover it up.
Removes self from soapbox.....
In my opinion...
1. Slotted rotors do nothing for a street driven car except make it look "cool".
2. The biggest problem with the non SS HHR is the drum brakes in the rear. Four wheel disc would be the best improvement if someone were going to modify the braking system in a LS/LT HHR. Larger front rotors don't address this problem, they just cover it up.
Removes self from soapbox.....
06-15-2017, 10:21 AM
#10
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Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,698
My only input is to get "premium" rotors, they cost $2-10 more a lot longer lasting. And ceramic pads that are chamfered. Or organic, not semi metalic.
I don't care about brand; I don't own any stock in any company. The best set I have had was from China (Prime Choice).
I don't care about brand; I don't own any stock in any company. The best set I have had was from China (Prime Choice).