Just changed the front brakes on my 2010 hhr ls. It has 61,238 miles and earlier today when driving when I reached speeds between 35-40 mph there was a loud humming noise on the drivers side. The gas pedal started vibrating and it was hard to control. When turning the steering wheel there is a rubber sound. Also just had front alignment checked.... Not really sure what else could go wrong with the car now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

 

My first thought since you had brake work done, is that you might have what's called a "hung caliper". That's when the piston in the brake caliper fails to retract causing the brake to be stuck on, like driving with your foot on the brakes. It will cause the affected brake to get very hot, it can cause the rotor to deform creating a shake called brake judder.

Or the caliper may be stuck on its pins, these mount the caliper but also allow it to move a bit under braking, if it's sticking on corroded pins...you can get similar symptoms to a "hung caliper".

But a more likely possibility is a bad hub on the affected corner, they will make a humming noise that varies with road speed. If the hub is in very bad shape, you can get a vibration and a wandering feel to the steering.

Both of these conditions are potentially dangerous, bad enough that you need to get your HHR checked out as soon as possible. If your schedule allows, have it checked today. Make sure they check out all of the front suspension and braking components, let us know how you make out.

P.S. to the forum!

 

by "just changed the front brakes" do you mean pads and rotors or just pads, did you clean and lube the slide pins and if so did you torque the caliper mount bracket bolts, the slider pins and the wheel lug nuts, is the surface of the hub clean were the wheel meets the hub? I would be checking all of the above, if all checks out then have the bearing hub checked, it should have been noisy before your brake repair

 

Did you happen to have one or both rear windows open with both front windows closed? If so, read your Owner Manual. The 35 mph part is what makes me think of this.

 

good point Donbrew !

 

Except.......why the gas pedal vibration and hard to control? Also the "rubber" (rubbing) sound when turning?

I vote for poor brake job.

 

Except for the "rubber", that is exactly the reaction you get. It feels like the car is going to take flight with loose wings.

Anyway, just a thought. It happened to me, I was half way back to the Dealer's lot.

 

I would like to do further research on this concern you are having. Could you please private message me your name, address, phone number, and vehicle identification number? Also any other issue you may be experiencing with your vehicle.

Thank you,

Jessica L.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

No windows were up

 

Front brake pads and rotors are NEW